Bucks Celebrate Dramatic Home-Opening Win [Video]

The Waterloo Bucks capped their first home game of the season with a dramatic walk-off victory Thursday night (May 28, 2015).

The Bucks scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning and left Riverfront Stadium with a 4-3 victory over the the Mankato MoonDogs. The win is Waterloo's third-straight to open the 2015 Northwoods League season.

Alex Boxwell (Minnesota) and Luke Stratman (Lamar CC) both earned one-out walks in the ninth to provide the game-tying and winnings runs in the final frame. On the mound, Sean Trimble (Long Beach) retired all 13 hitters he faced and picked up the win over 4 1/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen.

The Bucks drew first blood in the opening inning. Zach Jarrett (Charlotte) drove in Mikal Hill (Winston-Salem St.) with a triple off the wall in deep right field, and later scored when Mark Hernandez (Long Island) grounded out to the right side of the infield at second base. The early offense gave Waterloo a 2-0 lead.

Kaden Moore (Indiana St.) responded soon after for Mankato, hitting a two-run home run over the left field wall to tie the game at 2-2.

Mankato grabbed the lead in the top of the fourth when Sulliam Rios Reyes (Kirkwood CC) plated Moore with an infield single behind the pitcher’s mound. The two-out run-batted-in made it a 3-2 game in the fourth.

Bucks’ starter Carson McPherson (Lamar CC) exited the hill with two outs and runners on the corners in the fifth. The left-handed hurler gave up three runs on six hits, struck out one and walked four in the no-decision effort.

Trimble (1-0) took over in the top of the fifth for Waterloo and struck out the first man he faced to escape the scoring threat. The Bucks only reliever on the night shut down the Mankato offense by retiring all 13 men he faced in the box.

Waterloo left two runners in scoring position in the seventh and went down in order in the eighth before sparking a two-run rally in the ninth.

Kyle Goodbrand (Saddleback) (0-1) took the loss and came to the mound for the MoonDogs in the ninth inning. After walks were issued to both Boxwell and Stratman, Adam McGinnis hit a pinch-hit RBI single into shallow left to tie the game at 3-3.

In the next at-bat, Boyd looped a single into right field to bring Stratman to the plate and secure the 4-3 comeback victory.

The Bucks continue the series with the MoonDogs Friday evening with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

It’s a Flat Screen Friday where fans ages 18 and older can register to win one of three 32" flat screen TVs that will be given away each Friday home game. There will also be an appearance by former Chicago Cub Lee Smith. Smith will be available to sign autographs before the game and for 45 minutes during the game. He will also be throwing a ceremonial first pitch, and joining our radio broadcaster Matt Gruemmer for a half-inning. Make sure to come out for your chance to meet one of baseball’s finest!

Friday also marks a promotional Poster Giveaway Presented by JLL Extended Stay Inn, MaidPro, & Noodles & Company. The first 500 fans through the gate receive a free 2015 season Promotional Poster!

There will also be a Great Clips Showcar Display where fans can check out a replica of the Great Clips No. 9 car driven by the World of Outlaws Series 2013 champion Daryn Pittman.

Tickets are available at waterloobucks.com. You can also visit the Bucks Ticket Office at Riverfront Stadium or call 319-232-5633.