James retakes batting lead, Border Cats trounced by Blue Anchors

About all that left to be decided in the Border Cats season is whether or not Jared James can win the Northwoods League batting title.

He took a step in that direction on Friday night, collecting three hits in four trips to the plate to retake the lead over Lacrosse Loggers infielder Mason McCoy.

James, the son of former major leaguer Dion James, upped his average to .364 while McCoy, who went 1-for-5 on Friday night, dropped to .359.

James scored twice and drove in a run on his fifth home run of the season, a solo shot to lead off the third against Alexandria reliever Ciji Ramos.

But it was all for naught as the Border Cats pitching staff couldn’t hold off the Blue Anchors and Thunder Bay lost for the third time in four contests, falling 8-3 on the road.

James was the lone bright light in the Thunder Bay offence, collecting three of the team’s five hits on the night.

Blue Anchors leadoff hitter Trooper Reynolds smacked two homeruns, going 4-for-5 at the dish, driving in four runs.

Ricky Sanchez had three hits and an RBI for the winning side.

Border Cats starter Julian Loret de Mola lasted five innings, giving up nine hits, two walks and five earned runs, taking the loss to even his record at 4-4. It snapped his two-game winning streak.

Seven Blue Anchors pitchers took to the mound for Alexandria, reliever Jake Matthys was credited with the win, walking one and striking out two in an inning of work.

Thunder Bay dropped to 11-18 in second-half play, 28-36 on the season and are on the verge of being eliminated from the postseason.

Alexandria improved to 14-15.