Hockey / Spuds Rely on Clutch Pitching in Shutout of Big Sticks

Spuds Rely on Clutch Pitching in Shutout of Big Sticks

Date:  Source: Badlands Big Sticks

The Badlands Big Sticks were at home once again on Saturday night for the second of three against the Canyon County Spuds.

Starting on the mound for the Big Sticks was right-hander, from UC-Colorado Springs, Joe Harris. The Spuds matched him up with another righty, Max Holtzclaw.

The Spuds were able to get on the board right away in the top of the first as Lucas Danielewicz singled to drive in Ronnie McBride.

It was the Spuds again in the top of the second, this time they scored two as Noah Dehne singled to score Bischoff, then Ronnie McBride attempted to steal third base when the throw ricocheted wildly off his helmet allowing him to come in to score as well.

Once the top of the second had concluded, neither team was able to cross home plate for the remainder of the night. The Big Sticks were able to threaten in the third, seventh, and ninth innings, but would end up leaving a grand total of 10 runners on base.

Max Holtzclaw got the win with his seven-inning scoreless effort, and Payton Childers locked down the two-inning save for the Spuds. Joe Harris also went seven innings and only gave up three earned runs to get himself a quality start, but unfortunately, he is tacked with the loss.

The Spuds scored their 3 runs on 12 hits with no errors, and the Big Sticks didn’t score on 5 hits and did not commit any errors.

With the win, the Spuds improve their second half record to 6-10, and their overall to 16-30. The Big Sticks fall back below .500 at 7-8 but are still 24-21 on the year.

The two teams will battle it out on Sunday, July 18 for the rubber match of the three-game series. First pitch from Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark is set for 4:35 PM MDT.