Cats end road trip with loss

The Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers put a hasty end to the Thunder Bay Border Cats modest two-game winning streak.

The Lunkers on Monday erupted for five sixth-inning runs off Cats reliever Joseph Koon, snapping a 4-4 tie on their way to a 9-4 triumph.

The Cats (3-2) had tied the score in the top of the inning when Brett Kay singled home David Fallon from third.

Steven Brault led the way for the Stingers, going 2-for-5 with a home run and two driven in.

Kay was 2-for-4 for the Cats, raising his average to a season-high .184.

Koon took the loss, walking three and allowing three hits in one full inning of work. He took over from starter Casey Selsor with one out left in the fifth.

Tyler Sparger earned the win in relief of Stingers starter Joe Willman.

Thunder Bay hosts the first-half champion Mankato (3-2) on Thursday night, with Logan Birr expected to get the start.