Thunder Bay Gets Rare Win In Waterloo [Video]

The Waterloo Bucks could not survive a five-run sixth inning off the bats of the Thunder Bay Border Cats in a 5-2 decision at Riverfront Stadium Wednesday night (June 10, 2015).

With a no-hitter entering the sixth frame, Bucks’ starter Brian Drapeau (Long Island) took the loss on the night after surrendering two runs in the frame on one hit and a hit batsman. A night after recording a new season-high in hits, the Waterloo offense was kept in check with five total hits behind a strong start from Border Cat hurler Julian Loret de Mola (Nova Southeastern).

Luke Stratman (Lamar CC) scored both Waterloo runs and tallied two hits and two base on balls in the losing effort. The loss marked the first game the Bucks (10-6) have dropped to Thunder Bay (9-6) at Riverfront Stadium since July 13, 2012. Entering Wednesday night, Waterloo had won 10-straight home games against the Border Cats and 18 of the last 19 games overall in the series.

For the fourth game in a row, the Bucks got on the scoreboard first. This time, it was Stratman coming across for a 1-0 lead on a Taylor Boyd (St. Joseph’s) ground ball that was fielded for an error with two outs.

Thunder Bay got into both the hitting and scoring column with five runs on five hits in the sixth, all on two outs. Joe Gellenbeck (Xavier) started the rally with the first of his two singles on the evening. After Nate Steger (Winston-Salem St.) was hit by a pitch to put two runners on base, Waterloo’s starting pitcher exited the game.

Drapeau (2-1) left with two outs in the top of the sixth. The starter surrendered two runs on one hit while walking three, hitting three with pitches and striking out five in his fourth start of the year.

Joe Martinson (Minnesota) took over with two on and two out in the sixth and could not get out of the jam. The right-hander did not record an out on the mound and gave up three runs on three hits while walking one in the inning.

Trailing 4-1, still with two outs in the sixth, the Bucks tabbed Nick Veale (Minnesota St.) out of the bullpen for the second night in a row. Veale took a base-hit off the body to allow Mike Palladino (Quinnipiac) to score before recording the final out. The reliever scattered four total hits over the outing while finishing the ballgame for Waterloo. On the night, Veale lasted 3 1/3 scoreless innings while scattering four hits and striking out three.

The Bucks offense left the bases-loaded in the bottom of the eighth, but could not provide an answer after the big sixth inning. Waterloo dropped the game, 5-2, in the ninth to split the series opener with the Border Cats at home.

Waterloo hits the road Thursday to open a four-game trek to Michigan. The Bucks will play in Kalamazoo on both Thursday and Friday before traveling to Battle Creek for contests on Saturday and Sunday.

The Bucks play return home on Monday, June 15, against the Mankato MoonDogs. Every Monday home game is Buck Night. Regular hot dogs are just $1.50, plus 10-oz. draft beer, 12-oz. sodas, small popcorn, and ice cream sandwiches are $1 each, sponsored by K98.5.

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

Story By: Matt Gruemmer