Northwoods League: Beetles offense continues to struggle; drop second game to Lunkers (REPOSTED)

The Alexandria Beetles saw another great pitching performance go to waste as they dropped their second consecutive game 2-1 to the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers.

Sander Beck (Maryland) pitched a great game for the Beetles, going seven innings while striking out seven and showed great control with no walks issued. But his effort would be wasted as the Alexandria offense continued to struggle.

The only runs in the game came in the second inning when the Beetles got on the board first. Matt Lowenstein (Loyola Marymount) reached base on an error to Lunkers shortstop Adam Koglin (UNLV). The West Coast Conference freshman of the year then advanced to second via a Graham Spencer (Meridian CC) sacrifice bunt and onto third via a wild pitch by Brainerd starter Nick Anderson (St Cloud State). Beetles left fielder Derek Mattea (John A Logan) brought the run across with a single to left, the first run scored by the Beetles this season.

The Lunkers wouldn't trail for long as they took the lead in the bottom frame of the inning courtesy of a two-run double by Jake McLain (Mayville State).

Anderson would take care of the rest for the Lunkers as he picked up the win by pitching seven strong innings. The Brainerd native did not disappoint his hometown crowd as he scattered four Beetles hits while striking out four.

Brainerd closer Drew Smith (Emporia State) would come in to save the game in the ninth, ending it by getting Spencer to ground into a double play. The Beetles are now 0-2 on the young season and will look to Erik Shannahan (John A Logan) to give them a good start in the series finale. First pitch from Knute Nelson Memorial Ballpark is at 7:05 pm.

Courtesy: Matt Bishop/Alexandria Beetles