Game Recaps (5/31/07 - 6/9/07)

05.31.07 - River Bats Drop Opener to Duluth

The River Bats fell behind early as the Duluth Huskies put up six runs in the first three innings. Despite a rally in the sixth, the Bats couldn't keep up with the Huskies as they lose 10-2. The pitcher of record for the Bats was Nick Buchta, while Duluth's Andy Marks gets the win. The St. Cloud offense was highlighted by back to back doubles from Adam Kampsen and Steve Cochrane in the sixth inning.

06.01.07 - Bats Come Alive in 12-6 Win

The River Bats pounded out 16 hits en route to a 12-6 victory over the Duluth Huskies. While the entire lineup chipped in, two players set themselves apart from the pack. DH/catcher Dylan Tonneson went 4-for-5 with two doubles and two singles with two RBI. Meanwhile, third baseman/catcher Steve Cochrane was 2-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBI. Cochrane, a freshman from Yavapai Junior College pounded a solo home run in the seventh inning, the first Northwoods League homer in Faber Field history. It was the River Bats first ever game at Faber, 2,304 fans were on hand to witness the win. The Bats will host Battle Creek in a two game series this weekend in St. Cloud.

06.02.07 - Vasquez Sharp in River Bats Debut

After two rain delays, one prior to the first pitch and one in the middle of the second inning, the River Bats score a 4-3 win over the expansion Battle Creek Bombers. Third baseman Adam Kampsen went 2-for-4 while driving in two runs. Catcher Dylan Tonneson also picked up two hits in the win. Kyle Vasquez, making his River Bats debut on the mound, went 6 2/3 innings, allowing just four hits and two earned runs on his way to a six strikeout performance. Vasquez grabbed the win, becoming the first St. Cloud starter to earn a decision this season. Ryan Wrobel picked up his first save of the season, going 1 2/3 innings and striking out two. The same two teams will be at it again Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m.

06.03.07 - River Bats Allow Seven First Inning Runs, Lose 14-1

River Bats starter Evan Kohli pitched just one third of inning, one in which the Bombers scored seven runs. Battle Creek leadoff hitter Rafael Lopez belted a solo home run on the first pitch of the game. Every single Battle Creek starter scored at least one run in the expansion team's first ever win. The River Bats, short staffed on pitching, used four different pitchers throughout the afternoon. After Kohli it was Eric Pearson, Dave Brumagin and Danny Reed giving the Bats some innings. A few bright spots for the Bats were Adam Kampsen's RBI double in the first inning, as well as Dylan Tonneson's 3-for-3 performance. Tonneson was also hit by a pitch in the seventh inning. The Bats are back at it again on Monday as they travel to Waterloo for a two game series with the Bucks. Both games are slated for 7:05 p.m.

06.04.07 - Bats and Bucks Rained Out

The River Bats scheduled game with the Waterloo Bucks in Iowa was suspended due to rain and thunderstorms at Riverfront stadium. The game was called with the Bucks on top 1-0 in the bottom of the second inning with one out. The game will be continued tonight at 6:05pm from the point at which the game was suspened. The teams will play a seven inning game following the completion of game one.

06.05.07 - St. Cloud Sweeps Waterloo in Double-Header

After last night's game was suspended due to weather, the River Bats played two focused ball games today in Waterloo, IA. The day started with the continuation of the suspended game from last night. The Bucks were on top of the Bats by a score of 1-0 when play resumed. After exchanging leads a few times, the two teams found themselves tied at four in the ninth inning. That's when third baseman Adam Kampsen came through with a clutch two-out, two-run double to give the Bats the 6-4 lead, and ultimately the win. In game two, it was the left arm of Buddy Baumann combined with dominant run production that carried the Bats to an 8-1 victory. Baumann went six innings, striking out seven and allowing just one hit. He carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning when Aaron Jarosh singled to center field. Offensively, the River Bats were led by the returning Jeff Hullet. The shortstop from Texas A&M hit safely in his first two at bats, including a two-run double in the second. Hullet missed two games with a back injury. He finished 2-for-4 with a single, double, walk and two RBI. Center fielder Dave Brumagin also had two hits for St. Cloud. The Bats now travel home to host the Brainerd Blue Thunder Wednesday night.

06.06.07 - Cochrane and Kampsen Lead Bats to Victory

Catcher Steve Cochrane and third baseman Adam Kampsen were instrumental in the River Bats 4-3 win over the Brainerd Blue Thunder Wednesday night. Kampsen gathered just one hit but drove in two runs. He also came around to score the go-ahead run in the eighth. Driving Kampsen in was Cochrane, who went 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. The Bats got another solid pitching performance, this time from 6'7" right-hander Adam Kramer. Kramer, a 2006 draft pick of the Washington Nationals, pitched six innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out six. With the win the Bats move to 5-2 on the season and travel to Brainerd for game two of the two game, home and home series. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.

06.07.07 - Late Inning Heroics Spark Bats Again

Shortstop Jeff Hullet drove in the go-ahead runs in the top of the ninth inning to give the Bats a 4-3 lead. The inning started with two quick outs before Dave Brumagin, also the winning pitcher, walked in front of Danny Reed who was hit by a pitch. After falling behind in the count 2-0 to T.J. Thompson, the Blue Thunder elected to intentionally walk the second baseman. That loaded the bases for Hullet, who came through with his second hit of the game. In addition to the two-run single, Hullet doubled in the eighth. He finished the night 2-for-4 with two RBI. The Bats now travel to Duluth for a two game series with the Huskies. Friday's game is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

06.08.07 - Bats Drop Tough One in Extra Innings

Nick Buchta pitched 7 2/3 innings on Friday night while striking out six and allowing just one earned run. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough as the Bats drop one in extra innings to the Duluth Huskies. After surrendering the lead, the River Bats tied the game back up in the ninth as Tim Wheeler came around to score off the bat of Dave Brumagin. Newcomer Sean Wideberg pitched a few solid innings in relief for St. Cloud before loading the bases with no outs in the bottom of the 11th. At that point, Kurtis Frymier entered the game and the first batter he faced lifted a fly ball to left field. Wheeler made the catch, but had no chance of throwing out MLB 3rd round draft pick Lars Davis at the plate. The Huskies win 4-3. The same two teams are at it again Saturday, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

06.09.07 - River Bats Leave Duluth With Series Split

Thanks to the dominant pitching of Issac Morales and the timely hitting of Matt Fanelli, the Bats win game two of the series 6-4. Morales went six innings while striking out ten, a season high for any St. Cloud pitcher. Fanelli, playing in right field tonight, drove in three runs, two of which coming on a big double in the fourth inning. He finished 1-for-4. Second baseman T.J. Thompson added three hits and a run in the win. Picking up his third save was Ryan Wrobel. The Bats will now travel to Alexandria to take on the Beetles.