Cats finish first half on a losing note

The Border Cats bullpen is up to its old tricks.

The Cats blew a two-run lead in the ninth inning Wednesday night, closing out the first half of the Northwoods League season with a 9-8 loss to the host Alexandria Blue Anchors.

The loss spoiled a two-homerun performance by Tyler Duplantis, who went 2-for-2  with three runs and two RBI for Thunder Bay, who finished the first half with a disappointing 13-22 record.

Second baseman Kyle Hann had two hits in four trips to the plate, driving in three in a losing cause.

Newcomer Ben Neyen was roughed up blowing the save opportunity, giving up four hits and three runs while only recording a pair of outs.
Alexandria’s George Salem drove in the winning run, singling to score pinch runner Dalton Leuschke, who ran for Aaron Getz, author of the two-run, game-tying double two batters earlier.

The Cats begin their second-half quest Thursday night at Subway Field against the Mankato Moon Dogs.