Willmar Hands Bucks Third-Straight Home Loss, 9-3

A four-run fourth inning was too much for the Waterloo Bucks to overcome as they fell to Willmar, 9-3, in the series finale at Riverfront Stadium Friday night (July 29, 2016).

The loss was the third-straight for Waterloo at home and drops the Bucks into fifth place in the Northwoods League's North Division overall standings, one game behind the Stingers.

Waterloo (8-13, 30-26) jumped in front 2-0 with a pair of runs in the second inning. A sacrifice fly from Luke Barry scored Alex Boxwell, then Barry scored on Lane Milligan's RBI single to left-center field.

Willmar (13-8, 31-25) cut the Bucks' lead in half with an unearned run in the third, then took the lead for good with a pair of two-run doubles in the fourth inning. Up 5-2, the Stingers increased their advantage with a pair of of runs in the fifth.

The Bucks cut Willmar's deficit to 7-3 a two-out run in the sixth. Barry recorded his second RBI of the night with a two-out single to right field. Boxwell scored from second on the play.

The Stingers capped the scoring in the seventh inning, when they pushed a pair of runs across the plate. On the night, Willmar took advantage of eight walks allowed by the Bucks' pitching staff.

Jared Crescentini (5-2) was charged with the loss. He allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits, walking four and striking out two in 3.2 innings of work.

UP NEXT: Waterloo begins a three-game road trip on Saturday (July 30), when the Bucks face the Mankato Moondogs in Minnesota. First pitch in the series opener at Franklin Rogers Park is at 6:05 p.m.

The Bucks return home on Monday (Aug. 1), when they host the La Crosse Loggers in the nightcap of a split-site, day-night doubleheader. First pitch from Riverfront Stadium is at 7:05 p.m.

Story Contributor: Jared Schlensky - Waterloo Bucks​