The Badlands Big Sticks kicked off a big series with the Mining City Tommyknockers on Monday, with this series holding major playoff implications.

Starting on the mound for the Sticks was Josh Tucker, making his tenth start and entering with a 3.02 ERA. On the other side, for the Tommyknockers, was Jon Cordaway making his first start and coming in with a 6.75 ERA.

The Big Sticks struck for the first run of the game in the second inning, as Eric Martinez was driven in from second on an Anthony Garrett single.

The Tommyknockers were able to strike back in the top of the fourth inning after they got back-to-back leadoff singles by Mastillo and Greene before Nick Hansen drove in one on a double. The Sticks were able to escape the inning after turning a clutch double play to prevent another run from coming across.

The tie game lasted until the bottom of the fourth when Derek Gellos got the biggest hit of the night as he blasted a two-out, bases-loaded double to score all three runners and put the Sticks up 4-1.

Josh Tucker worked through the fifth inning, only giving up the one run and striking out five.

Mason Hoover took over on the mound in the sixth inning and he turned in a masterful performance in relief, he went the final four innings without giving up a run or hit, and striking out eight as he only allowed one of the thirteen men he faced to reach base.

The Sticks were able to put the final nail in the coffin in the bottom of the eight as Derek Gellos drove in his fourth run on a bases-loaded walk to extend the Sticks margin of victory to 5-1.

The Big Sticks scored 5 runs on 8 hits with no errors, and the Tommyknockers scored 1 run on 5 hits and did not commit an error.

This is the fourth consecutive victory for the Big Sticks as they improve to 13-9 in the second half and move into second place, on game ahead of the Tommyknockers who are now 12-10.

The second game of the four game set will take place in Dickinson on Tuesday, July 27 with first pitch set for 6:05 PM MDT.