THUNDER BAY – Already off to a rough start through the first week of the Northwoods League season, the Thunder Bay Border Cats are still looking for a lucky break.
Trailing by one in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and a runner on third, the Border Cats came inches away from scoring the tying run but a diving grab by centerfielder Daniel Gardner sealed an 8-7 Duluth Huskies victory at Tbaytel Park on Friday night.
It was the latest setback for a team that ends their season opening four-game homestand winless.
The Huskies got off to a quick start as they looked for the sweep against their Lake Superior rivals, plating a pair in the first inning with a two-run single off the bat of Mitch Reeves.
Duluth added to the lead over the next two innings, adding an additional run in both the second and third frames to take a 4-0 edge.
Having only scored a combined three runs in their previous two outings, the Border Cats offence erupted with a seven-run fourth inning to take a commanding lead.
Huskies reliever Ben Humpert came on to start the frame and struggled right from the outset, with the first four batters reaching base courtesy of three free passes and a single.
After Trevor Bernsdorf drove in a run with a single, Rob Andreoli made the Huskies pay with a base hit that chased in two runs.
Humpert was chased after another hit, tagged with all seven runs scored in the inning off four hits and three walks.
Gui Gingras followed with a two-run single off new pitcher Dan Loats to complete the onslaught.
Duluth pulled even in the seventh with three runs in the inning, aided by a critical error by Andreoli in right field.
With the possibility of extra innings looming, Duluth pulled ahead for good in the ninth with a go-ahead single up the middle by Nic Strasser off Border Cats pitcher Ben Hoffman, who was saddled with the loss.
The Border Cats threatened in the bottom half, with leadoff hitter Grant Kelovitch reaching on a throwing error by Duluth shortstop David Kyriacou. A bunt moved him over to second and pinch runner Bryce Jorgenson advanced to third on a ground ball out.
With the tying run only 90 feet away, Johnny Juarez IV hit a sinking blooper to shallow centre but Gardner came up with the spectacular catch to end the contest.
With the win, the Huskies improve to 4-0 on the season.
The Border Cats now hit the road for a six-game trip, beginning with a two-game series against the St. Cloud Rox starting on Saturday.
