Cats stung by potent Willmar attack

WILMAR, MINN.-- The Thunder Bay Border Cats pitching staff came crashing back to Earth on Thursday night.

After opening the season with two straight wins, allowing just two earned runs in the process, the Cats staff gave up 19 hits en route to a 19-6 loss at the hands of their hitting-heavy hosts, the Willmar Stingers.

The Stingers, led by a 3-for-6, six RBI outburst by first baseman Lucas Tancas, opened an 11-0 lead before the Cats finally managed to get on the board, scoring in each of the first four innings, including a six-spot in the fourth.

Kyle Comer crossed the plate first for Thunder Bay on a Matt Batten ground out to short in the fifth. First baseman Mikael Mogues led the way with a 3-for-5 night, driving in one.

It simply wasn’t Anthony Morris’ night on the mound for Thunder Bay.

Morris gave up 11 hits and eight earned runs while striking out just on, departing with one out in the fourth. A trio of relievers fared little better, touched for 11 runs the rest of the way.

Will Lydon went five strong for the Stingers (1-1), striking out four and allowing just two hits in five innings of work.

Greg Weissert is expected to take to the mound on Friday for the Cats (2-1) when the two teams tangle again.