The Big Lake American Legion Baseball team got off to a slow start in July.

The Hornets lost a doubleheader to Becker and managed just one run in two games.

In the opener, Jackson Laroche pitched a good game, allowing just one hit. But lack of run support led to a 3-0 loss to the Bulldogs.

Becker got a run in the first on a walk, stolen base, wild pitch and a groundout. They added a run in the second on an error, fielder’s choice, passed ball and wild pitch. They made it 3-0 in the third, also without a hit.

Meanwhile, the Hornets had very few chances to score. Laroche was hit by a pitch in the first inning and was thrown out stealing. Their only other baserunners in the game were Jeffery Wanhala’s single in the third and Trevor Couch, who walked in the fifth.

Laroche allowed three runs (one earned) on one hit and three hits in 3.2 innings. He struck out six.

Game 2

The second game was also low-scoring, with the Bulldogs winning, 2-1.

Wanhala pitched a complete game for Big Lake, but again, there wasn’t much run support for him.

The Hornets got on the board first with a run in the third. With two outs, Ian Tough walked, moved to second on an error, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on another wild pitch.

Becker tied the score in the home third on a single, groundout and a two-base error.

The score remained tied until the home fifth when Isaac Guck singled, went to third on another single and scored the winning run on a passed ball.

Wanhala took the loss. He allowed two unearned runs, five hits, walked three and struck out four.

Ethan Guck pitched the first four innings for the Bulldogs, allowing an unearned run on no hits and a walk. He struck out five. Jase Tobako got the win in relief, walking two and striking out two in a scoreless fifth.