GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The Wheat City Whiskey Jacks fell to the Badlands Big Sticks 6-1 Friday, led by a pair of homeruns by Big Sticks first baseman Angel De La Cruz. De La Cruz finished the game 2-for-4 with four RBI. Right fielder Derek Gellos went 2-for-4 and stole his fourth base of the season. Second baseman Wyatt Setian left fielders Austin Bunn and Chewy Sanders both collected a hit. Catcher Ryan Stafford went 1-for-4.

Whiskey Jacks designated hitter Jake Hjelle went 2-for-4, raising his average to a team-high .352. Third baseman Dylan McKee went 2-for-4. Catcher Keenan O’Brien hit his sixth double of the year, finishing 1-for-4 on the night. Second baseman Nolan Lingley, shortstop Dean Bittner, and center fielder Cameron Daigle all collected a hit. 

Whiskey Jacks pitcher Sam Marhefke (3-5, 6.35 ERA) collected his third loss in four appearances, pitching a complete game on six runs allowed (all earned), walking two batters, and striking out one. Big Sticks pitcher Joe Harris (3-2, 5.54 ERA) collected the win in his complete game appearance, only allowing one run on eight hits, striking out four batters.

The Whiskey Jacks (21-28) will travel to Dickinson, N.D. for a two-game series versus the Big Sticks (27-22) before heading back to Kraft Field on Monday to face the Souris Valley Sabre Dogs (33-17).