Huskies fail to generate timely hits in loss to Bismarck

DULUTH — A failure to capitalize on multiple run-scoring opportunities spelled doom for the Duluth Huskies on Thursday as the home team left nine base runners stranded in an 8-1 loss to Bismarck at Wade Stadium.

The Larks took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning after Cesar Franco connected for a base hit to score Zach Daudet, who was hit by a pitch in the previous at-bat. The one run scored by the visitors stood as the difference on the scoreboard through four complete innings.

Huskies starter Tyler Gray lasted four innings on the hill before Ryan Prettol took over in relief to begin the fifth. Gray finished with one earned run on three hits and six walks.

Prettol got off to a rough start in the fifth inning after walking five batters to score two on back-to-back bases-loaded walks. After making a pitching change with Matt Juza taking over with the bases still loaded and two outs, Kyle Hvidsten made it a 5-0 game with a two-run base hit.

Juza pitched 3.1 innings before handing the ball off to Marland Jorgensen to close the final inning.

After falling behind 7-0 in the seventh, the Huskies scored their first and only run of the game on a fielding error to drive in MJ Sweeney. The Larks responded with a one-run eighth inning.

Joe Vos led the Huskies at the plate with three hits, while Charlie Sutherland and Sweeney each added two.

The Huskies (18-18) will travel to Waterloo, Iowa on Saturday for a two-game series against the Bucks.