The Becker Bandits lost their first game of the year to the Clear Lake Lakers by a score of 3-0 Sunday.
The Bandits are playing in the Sauk Valley League.
Sunday’s game was scoreless heading into the fifth inning with Becker pitcher, Jon Crowley, pitching a great game. However, in the fifth, Lakers hitter Brandon Buesgens doubled to score Matt Korte to give the Lakers the first run of the game and a lead they would not vanquish.
In the sixth, the Lakers were able to add two more insurance runs after a leadoff walk and a error. Israel Carper singled to drive both runners across the plate and a 3-0 lead.
The Bandits had chances to close the gap but were unable to get it done.
Becker tallied seven hits and three walks while committing just the one error. The Lakers had 11 hits and three walks while committing three errors.
Crowley pitched eight solid innings in a losing effort, giving up two earned runs on 10 hits, while striking out five.
Dawson Hill came in relief and pitched one scoreless inning giving up one hit.
Hayden Fassler showed great plate discipline, drawing three walks. Brian Kolbinger was 2-for-4 with two singles. Matthew Moe was two-for-3 with two singles.
“This was a closely- played game throughout,” said Bandit Coach Cole Hanson. “We just couldn't get over the hump at times to chip into the Lakers lead.”
Hanson noted there are zero teams who will win games when they fail to dent the scoreboard.
“What hurt us in the end result that proved most costly was the mental errors,” he said. “But, it was our first game as a group and I'm confident we'll rebound and go from there.”
Up Next
The Bandit’s next game is Sunday (Mothers Day) at 4 p.m. at the BAC versus the Sartell Poneys.
The Lakers play at home today (Saturday) at 1:30 p.m against the Foley Lumberjacks.
