DICKINSON, N.D. – The Wheat City Whiskey only mustered three hits in a 5-2 loss versus the Badlands Big Sticks Saturday. The Whiskey Jacks have lost three straight games. 

Big Sticks designated hitter Matt Olive collected his first triple of the season, finishing 1-for-3 with a solo RBI and his 17th walk of the season. Shortstop Alex Thurston went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Catcher Ryan Stafford collected his fourth double in four games Saturday, finishing 1-for-4. Whiskey Jacks first baseman Jake Hjelle provided some run support with his sixth homerun of the season. Hjelle has 32 RBI on the season. Left fielder Nolan Drill and designated hitter Caleb McDowell provided the other two hits for the Whiskey Jacks.

Big Sticks pitcher Justin Butz (2-1, 2.75 ERA) collected his second win of the season, going 7.2 innings on two runs (both earned), striking out a season-high ten batters. Pat Miner (2-2, 3.34 ERA) recorded his third save of the season on 1.1 shutout innings of work. Whiskey Jacks pitcher Jack Moffitt (2-4, 6.07 ERA) was assigned the loss, going six innings on four runs allowed (all earned), walking four batters, and striking out four. Julio Acosta (0-0, 2.25 ERA) made his second appearance of the season, going two innings on one run (earned), striking out five batters.

The Whiskey Jacks (21-29) will close out the five-game series against the Big Sticks (28-22) Sunday at 6:35 p.m. (CST) at Dakota Community Bank and Trust Stadium in Dickinson.