The hometown Prior Lake Mudcats mustered a paltry six hits in their 11-6 loss to the Minneapolis MudCats on Thursday night.
Jake Garfield got the start on the mound for the Mudcats, throwing 2 1/3 innings allowing five runs (all earned) on eight hits. He walked two and punched out three. In relief, Scotty McCaustlin allowed nine five runs on nine hits, walking one and striking out six while giving up a dinger to Caleb Brandt, who was 5-for-6 on the night. Harry Fleek provided two effective innings of support, allowing only one run on two hits and striking out three.
The Minneapolis MudCats plated 11 runs on a whopping 19 hits. The MudCats “Iron 9” lineup had at least one hit each. Brandt was 5-for-6, and Caden Christiansen was 3-for-6 to lead their team.
The Prior Lake Mudcats scored in the first inning off of an Alex Wattermann single but would be held scoreless till the seventh inning. In the seventh, the ‘Cats had five runs on one hit, and were aided with walks by John Parker, Jager Leverson, and Josh Dvorak, while Alex Wattermann was hit by a pitch to reach. Cole Clausen and Harry Fleek both reached on errors, and Ryan Wattermann singled up the middle. The Mudcats went three up – three down in the eighth and ninth innings to end the game.
Ryan Wattermann continued his hot streak at the plate going 3-for-5 (two singles and a double), Fleek was 1-for-5 with two RBI, while Clausen, Dvorak, Leverson, and Alex Wattermann each contributed RBIs.
The Mudcats are back in action for a Sunday, July 23rd matinee when the Lonsdales Aces come to town. First pitch is at Veterans Field at 2:00 pm. Stick around for the Prior Lake Jays game at 6:00 pm when they take on the Shakopee Indians in their regular season finale.