LA CROSSE, Wisc. – All good things must come to an end.
The Thunder Bay Border Cats, in search of their franchise record-tying eighth consecutive win on Friday night, instead got a taste of their own medicine, giving up a one-run lead late and dropping a 6-5 decision to the host La Crosse Loggers that took 10 innings to decide.
Justin DeCriscio singled home Jordan Donahue, placed on second to start the extra frame, with the winning run, the loss going to Border Cats reliever Tanner Carter.
It marked the fourth time in the contest that the Loggers took the lead from the Cats, who took their sole lead of the night on a Jonah Sutton sacrifice fly, part of a two-run fourth.
Tyler Kehoe and Zane Skansi led the way for Thunder Bay offensively, each going deep, marking the first time this season the Border Cats have hit multiple home runs in a single game.
Starter Caden Fiveash was lifted after two innings of work, giving up three runs – two of them earned – on six hits and two walks. His replacement, Kyle Gearding, gave up two more runs on four hits over three innings.
Jake Gebb went four innings, giving up five runs on five hits, but it was the Loggers bullpen that did the heavy work for the home side.
Dylan Kirkeby, Ashton Michek and Dam Hart tossed six innings of two-hit, shutout ball, walking just one while striking out seven.
Carter (0-1) took the loss, while Hart (2-2) was the winning pitcher.
With the loss, Thunder Bay (13-9) dropped into a tie for top spot with Duluth (14-10) in the Great Plains East Division.
The two teams play Game 3 of their four-game set on Saturday night.
