In spite of bullpen, Cats start second half with win

The four-game slide is over, but the Thunder Bay Border Cats still need to work out their bullpen woes.

Tyler Wosleger hit a second-inning grand slam off Willmars Stingers pitcher Tanner Banks, part of a six-run frame as the Cats raced out to a 10-2 lead in support of starter Taylor Bratton.

But when the relief crew took over in the seventh, the bumpy ride that is the Border Cats bullpen of late went into overdrive.

Alec Smith gave up five hits in two innings, leading to four runs and Brad Delatte, brought in to close it in the ninth, surrendered two more on a double by Willmar’s Mitch Rowan and a single by Garrett Borba.

But with the bases loaded, the Cats stingiest pitcher struck out Jason Leblebijian struck out swinging to preserve the 10-8 triumph that started the team’s second half on a winning note.

Cullen Mahoney had three hits in four at bats and scored a pair for the Cats, raising his average to .354. Brett Kay, Alex Guthrie and Woseleger each had two-hit nights.

The Cats and Stingers finish their two-game series in Willmar on Friday night.