Northwoods League: Newcomers boost Beetles past Willmar 5-1

Beetles shortstop Marcus Semien (Cal) arrived at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar just an hour and a half before first pitch and found himself in the starting lineup. The Cal Golden Bear provided the defensive stability the Beetles needed as they defeated Willmar 5-1 in game two of a three game series.

It was a defensive battle throughout the first seven innings but the Beetles struck in the top of the eighth to break the game open. With one out, Mikel Alvarez (FGCU) walked and advanced to second on Ky Burgess' (SE Missouri) first ever Beetles hit. Pinch hitter Taylor Davis (Morehead St) hit a shallow fly to right field. Willmar right fielder Jordan Smith (SCSU) dove and missed the ball which allowed both runners to score and Davis to advance to third. Davis then went home on an error on the relay by the Stingers second baseman Carlos Leyva (Cal State Dominguez Hills).

That was all Beetles winning pitcher Andy Cox (Iowa Central CC) needed. Cox, who came in relief of starting pitcher Erik Shannahan (blood blister), pitched 4.2 innings of no hit, shutout baseball and got the win. In his debut, Semien went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a stolen base for Alexandria.

Game three of the three-game set is set for 7:05 at Knute Nelson Memorial Park.

Courtesy: Matt Bishop/Alexandria Beetles