Waterloo Bucks Regain Share Of Division Lead

The Waterloo Bucks regained a share of first-place in the Northwoods League's North Division race with a 7-1 victory over the La Crosse Loggers at Riverfront Stadium Monday night (June 27, 2016).

Lead-off hitter Taylor Boyd recorded a season-high four hits and drove in four runs for the Bucks, who are tied with St. Cloud at the top of the standings. Every Waterloo batter reached base at least once on the night, while starting pitcher Patrick Boyle earned his second win with six strong innings of work.

La Crosse (14-13) got on the board first, plating its only in the second inning.

Waterloo (18-8) evened the game at 1-all in the third. Daniel Perry led of the frame with a walk and moved to second on a groundout by Alex Boxwell. Boyd then recorded the first of his four hits with an RBI double down the left field line.

The Bucks extended their lead to 4-1 with a trio of scores in the fourth inning. Adam McGinnis led off the inning with a walk and scored on a double by Brody Weiss. Robert Neustrom then drew a walk, putting Waterloo runners at first and second base. Boxwell next reached base on a La Crosse fielding error and Boyd poked a bases-loaded single into right-center field, scoring both McGinnis and Weiss.

Boyd drove in another Waterloo run in the sixth inning with a two-out single to center. Neustrom started the frame with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Perry.

The Bucks scored their final two runs in seventh. Jake Hand, playing his first game with Waterloo in two weeks, led off the inning with a single and Curtis followed with a double to left field. Two batters later, Lane Milligan brought in Hand with a sacrifice fly and Curtis eventually scored on a La Crosse error.

Boyle (2-1) recorded his third quality start in the win. The southpaw allowed one run on seven hits and three walks while striking out three over six innings. Andy Muehlberger, Trevor Patterson and Jonathan Buckley each tossed a perfect inning of relief.

UP NEXT: The Bucks continue their five-game homestand on Tuesday (June 28), playing the second of four-straight games against La Crosse. They host the Loggers at 7:05 p.m. at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo.

Story By: Jared Schlensky - Waterloo Bucks​