GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The Wheat City Whiskey Jacks split the doubleheader with the Badlands Big Sticks Thursday. The Whiskey Jacks conclude their final home game of the series versus the Big Sticks Friday before headed to Dickinson, N.D. to play the final two games of the series. 

Game 1

The Whiskey Jacks fell 11-4 to the Big Sticks in the first game Friday, as the Big Sticks scored seven runs in the first two innings. Big Sticks second baseman Wyatt Setian had a strong game at the plate, going 4-for-5 and collecting his 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st RBI of the season. Catcher Ryan Stafford collected both of the doubles in Thursday’s ballgame, finishing 3-for-5. Designated hitter Angel De La Cruz went 2-for-5 with his 28th RBI of the season Thursday. Shortstop Alex Thurston went 2-for-3 with a walk. 

On the offensive side for the Whiskey Jacks, left fielder Nolan Lingley collected his first triple of the year, finishing 1-for-2 with two RBI. Lingley now has 11 RBI on the season. All-Star right fielder Houston Fogelstrom hit his 6th double of the year, going 1-for-2 with his 24th RBI of the season. First baseman Jaxon Sorenson finished 1-for-4 with his 7th double of the season. Second baseman Ethan Sitzman and shortstop Dean Bittner both finished with their 7th and 11th stolen bases of the year respectively. Sitzman and Bittner also collected one hit a piece.

Whiskey Jacks pitcher Gene Aberouette (4-2, 3.57 ERA) recorded the loss, giving up seven runs (six earned) on 1.2 innings pitched, walking three batters and striking out two. Griffin Shearon (1-1, 12.46 ERA) gave up four runs (all earned) one inning’s work. Big Sticks pitcher Adam Senden (3-2, 5.97 ERA) collected the win, going three innings in relief, only allowing one run (earned) on two hits. Josh Tucker (5-1, 3.02 ERA) gave up three runs (all earned) in his starting appearance, walking three batters, and striking out two. 

Game 2

The Whiskey Jacks avenged their 11-4 loss to the Big Sticks by defeating the Sticks 4-2. Pitcher Matthew Dalquist (3-1, 4.37 ERA) led the Jacks to victory Thursday, pitching six innings allowing only one run (earned), while striking out a season-high nine batters. Dylan Kuester (1-1, 4.61) came in and pitched one inning of relief. Big Sticks pitcher Parker Stohr (5-3, 3.04 ERA) recorded the loss, going six innings on four runs (three earned), allowing eight hits, and striking out seven. 

Right fielder Houston Fogelstrom collected three RBI for the Whiskey Jacks, finishing the game with 2-for-3 and his second stolen base of the season. First baseman Jaxon Sorenson also finished with his second stolen base of the season and a base-knock. Big Sticks third baseman Angel De La Cruz and second baseman Wyatt Setian both doubled in the second game, finishing with one hit a piece. De La Cruz collected his 29thRBI of the season. 

The Whiskey Jacks will return to Kraft Field at 7:05 p.m. Friday to play the third, and final, home game of the series.