Vosler homers, Cats back on winning track

Jason Vosler is making home-run hitting a habit.

The Thunder Bay Border Cats third baseman went deep for the second night in a row on Friday. But unlike Thursday’s two-run, sixth-inning blast that left the Cats a run shy of tying the Mankato Moon Dogs, his fifth homerun of the season catapulted them into a lead they’d never relinquish en route to a 6-4 win.

The host Cats had tied the contest earlier in the sixth on a wild pitch that scored Dylan Becker and an error by Mankato catcher Matt Wollenzin that plated Tyler Duplantis.

Reliever Ben Neyen, who entered the game in the fifth, allowed just one hit and three walks over 3.2 innings to earn the win.

Daniel Stoney was roughed up for three hits and a run in the ninth, but still managed to pick up the save.

Julian Esquibel took the loss, surrendering four runs before leaving with two outs in the sixth.

The Cats (1-1) host Willmar Saturday and Sunday at Subway Field.