Rox Still Control Destiny in First Half Race
Published on July 3, 2016 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
St. Cloud Rox News Release
Madison, WI - The Rox (23-10) are still 0.5 games ahead of the Eau Claire Express for first place after an 8-5 loss to the Madison Mallards (21-13). St. Cloud's magic number remains at two with two more games left in the first half of the regular season. The Rox can clinch the first half North Division title with a victory on Monday against Rockford and an Eau Claire loss on Monday. The Rox also control their own destiny. If St. Cloud wins its final two first half games, then the Rox are North Division first half champions and clinch a playoff spot in August.
It was an action packed third inning for the Rox on offense. With one out in the inning, Brandon Benson (Georgia College) clobbered a ball over the left field wall for a home run. This sparked an extra-base hit bonanza. Ricky Ramirez (McNeese State), Luke Ringhofer (South Dakota State), and Michael Strem (Boston College) all collected doubles. St. Cloud polished off 4 runs in the 3rd inning and took a 4-1 advantage.
In addition, some controversy struck towards the end of the inning. Mason Mamarella (Kent State) was up with two outs and a runner at first base. The home plate umpire called Mamarella out on strikes on a pitch that allegedly hit Mason. The umpires conversed for a long time and kept going back and forth with their decision. Ultimately, the home plate umpire ruled that Mason did get hit, but because it was in the strike zone he called him out.
St. Cloud held Madison to only 3 hits through the first 5 innings. The Mallards scored 3 runs in the 6th inning and took a 5-4 lead. The Rox responded with one crucial run in the 7th inning. Brhet Bewley (San Diego) led the charge with a lead off double off the right field wall. Ramirez drove in Bewley with two outs and the game was tied at 5-5. The Rox scored 4 of their 5 runs with two outs in this game.
Shelby Lackey (Pacific) made his 4th start of the season for the Rox. The right-hander lasted 5 innings, allowed 3 hits, and just one earned run.
The Rox resume action on Monday, July 4th, against the Rockford Rivets in Rockford, Ill. First pitch is at 12:00 p.m. CT and the Rox Solid Pregame Warmup starts at 11:30 p.m on 1390 AM The Fan. LHP Aaron Rozek (Minnesota State Mankato) is the starter for St. Cloud.
St. Cloud returns to Joe Faber Field on Wednesday, July 6th with a matchup against the Eau Claire Express. This is the first game of the second half of the season. It's Baseball Bingo night presented by Kwik Trip. Then, on Thursday, July 7th at the Rockpile, it is Augie Rodriguez Replica Jersey Giveaway presented by Coborn's, Times Media, and 104.7 KCLD. The first 400 kids 14 years & under will receive a jersey.
Single game tickets can be purchased 24 hours a day at www.stcloudrox.com, by calling (320) 240-9798 or by visiting the Rox ticket office located at the Municipal Athletic Complex.
The St. Cloud Times Player(s) of the Game is Ricky Ramirez of McNeese State and Mason Mamarella. Ramirez went 3-4 with an RBI and a catch while banging into the wall. Mamarella made an unbelievable diving catch in the left center gap.
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Northwoods League Stories from July 3, 2016
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- 'Chucks Fall in Green Bay, 8-7 - Wausau Woodchucks
- Rox Still Control Destiny in First Half Race - St. Cloud Rox
- Rox Still Control Destiny in First Half Race - St. Cloud Rox
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- Rafters Struggle to Score, Fall to Growlers - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
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- Honkers Lose to Huskies in Mayo Field Shootout - Rochester Honkers
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