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Duluthians Visit Field of Dreams

Two loyal Duluth Huskies fans, and athletes at Duluth East High School traveled to the Field of Dreams recently and are looking forward to seeing the Huskies make more dreams come true in 2008!

Huskies 2008 Schedule Released

December 13, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies released their 2008 playing schedule today and will host 34 games at Wade Stadium during their sixth season of competition in the prestigious Northwoods League.

The 2008 home schedule includes twelve home stands consisting of 18 weekday games and 16 weekend dates (Fri.-Sun.).

Returning field manager Adam Stahl will once again lead the Huskies into action when they open their 2008 season on the road against the South Division’s Green Bay Bullfrogs on Thursday, May 29th at Joannes Stadium in Green Bay , WI.

Following the two day road trip, Wade Stadium will host the Huskies home opener at 7:35pm on Saturday, May 31st against North Division rival, the Thunder Bay Border Cats.

The Northwoods League continues its use of an unbalanced 68-game schedule format in 2008. The Huskies will play eight games (four home, four away) against teams in their own Division. Duluth will compete against five of the seven South Division teams – Green Bay, Madison, Waterloo, Battle Creek, and LaCrosse – in a two game series in each city. The Huskies will not play Wisconsin or Eau Claire in 2008.

The Huskies complete schedule is available on its team website by clicking here.

Two Former Huskies Pitch in AFL

November 20, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Two members of the 2003 Duluth Huskies pitching staff found themselves pitching in the prestigious Arizona Fall League this Fall. Joe Bisenius, who was an All-Star with Duluth in 2003, and Fernando Rodriguez Jr., who was affectionately known as Fernie during his stay in Duluth, both were tabbed to hone their skills pitching to the best prospects that Minor League Baseball has to offer.

Bisenius, who became the first former Duluth Huskie to pitch in the Major Leagues last spring, was assigned for his second stint in the Arizona Fall League with the Peoria Saguaros by his parent club, the Philadelphia Phillies. Bisenius appeared in six games for the Saguaros while striking out 12 batters in 10 innings of work this fall. In the summer of 2003 Bisenius came to the Huskies from Oklahoma City College and was a mid-season All-Star thanks to a strong start to the 2003 Northwoods League season.

Rodriguez Jr. also was a member of that same 2003 Duluth Huskies team coming to Duluth from El Paso Community College in El Paso, Texas. Fernie was a big hard throwing right handed pitcher who showed some definite signs of dominance when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in June of that year. He then left Duluth and started his assent up the ladder within the Angels organization. This fall marked the first time Rodriguez Jr. was assigned to pitch in the Arizona Fall League and he threw well for the Surprise Rafters going 2-1 with a 3.97 ERA in six games started. In all he threw 22.2 innings striking out 13 while walking only eight. Rodriguez Jr. is hoping to continue making strong impressions with the Angles front office in order to work his way even closer to every Northwoods League players dream, playing in the Major Leagues.

Award Winning All-Star Bonadonna To Return

October 22, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced the signings of a pair of infielders from the University of Illinois, including 2007 Northwoods League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star, Silver Glove Award Winner, and Second Base Offensive Player of the Year Joey Bonadonna. Joining Bonadonna for his first season in the Northwoods League will be fellow Illini infielder Dominic Altobelli.

Huskies fan favorite Bonadonna will be returning for his record setting fourth season of summer baseball in Duluth. In 2007, Bonadonna played in all 68 of the Huskies games and led the team in at bats, runs scored, hits, walks, and stolen bases. 2007 was also a record setting season for Bonadonna as he set new Huskies single season records in runs scored (41), walks (48), at bats (233), and games played (68), a Northwoods League single season record for stolen bases with 45, Duluth Huskies career records in runs scored (90), hits (134), walks (103), at bats (551), strikeouts (113), and games played (177), and tied the Northwoods League career record for stolen bases with 75 in his career. Bonadonna also was slick in the field all season long for the Huskies posting a league high .975 fielding percentage for second basemen which yielded him Rawlings Silver Glove Award for second base. Bonadonna’s .265 batting average while playing second base was also the highest of all Northwoods League second basemen which garnered him the first ever Offensive Player of the Year Award for second base. The Huskies are excited to have Bonadonna back in the kennel for 2008 as he will be counted on as a team leader both on and off of the field. “Joey was a spark at the top of our lineup all season long last year and his speed on the bases really set the table for our success, said Field Manager Adam Stahl, “We are looking forward to seeing what more he has in store for us in 2008.”

Altobelli, a junior infielder from the University of Illinois, will be making his Huskies debut in 2008. Altobelli has played the last two summers for the Fayetteville SwampDogs of the Costal Plains League where, in 2007, he was named a Mid-Season All-Star and led the SwampDogs with 10 doubles on the season. The Oak Forest, Illinois native has proven versatile during his time with the Illini as he has made appearances at third base, shortstop, and designated hitter. The Huskies are looking forward to getting Altobelli to Duluth where he will have the opportunity to make in impact. “Altobelli’s playing style should fit well with the Huskies philosophy of small ball and working the gaps,” Stahl said, “His wooden bat experience should put him in a great spot to flourish in Duluth.”

Bonadonna and Altobelli are the first signees of the 2008 season for the Duluth Huskies, who will be looking to continue the success of 2007 when Stahl led the team to a 41-27 record and a Second Half North Division Championship in only his first year as the team’s field manager.

Harley's Hut Clearance Sale

At Harley's Hut Downtown Duluth Location Only! While Supplies Last!

All T-Shirts: $8.00 (50% Off)
All Hooded Sweatshirts: $35.00 (37% Off)
All Caps: $12.00 (40% Off)
All Team Polo Shirts: $40.00 (33% Off)
All Rawlings and/or Majestic Team Fleece Pullovers: $35.00 (37% Off)
Additional Super Clearance Clothing Item Closeouts: $5.00 Each!

Stahl To Return As Huskies Skipper in 2008

October 11, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies have announced that Field Manager Adam Stahl will be returning for his second season leading the Huskies in 2008.

Stahl led the Huskies into the playoffs for the third time in franchise history in 2007 by winning the North Division’s Second Half Title and accumulated the best overall record in the North Division with a 41-27 mark. Stahl has previously coaching in the Northwoods League as an assistant with the Brainerd Blue Thunder as well as with the Duluth Huskies in 2005. “I am excited to have the opportunity to return to Duluth for the 2008 season,” said Stahl, “The Huskie fans are very special. My family and I look at Duluth as our second home.”

Stahl and General Manager Craig Smith have already been busy assembling a 2008 roster that should rival the talent levels put for in recent years. “The 2008 Huskies will once again be very strong in pitching, team defense, and will run the bases aggressively,” said Stahl, “I expect the team to continue the tradition of excellence, both on and off of the field, that Huskies fans have become accustom to over the past five years.”

The return of Coach Stahl to the Huskies bench will bring a level of continuity and experience that the Huskies expect will lead to bigger and better things for the Twin Ports area in 2008.

Bonadonna Takes Home Another Award

October 1, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced that second baseman Joey Bonadonna has been named the Northwoods League's Offensive Player of the Year at second base presented by Rawlings. The award is given to the player at each position who had the best batting average.

In order for a player to be eligible they would've needed to have enough plate appearances at a given position to qualify for a batting title. In 2007 it took at least 180 plate appearances to be listed among the league leaders.

Bonadonna hit .265 while playing second base for the Huskies which was good enough to be tops of all Northwoods League second basemen. To honor his achievement Bonadonna will receive an engraved bat from Rawlings to go along with his Rawlings Silver Glove Award he received earlier. Bonadonna was also both a mid-season and post-season All-Star for the Huskies in 2007.

Two Huskies Named Silver Glove Winners

September 14, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced that second baseman Joey Bonadonna and first baseman Tony Plagman have been named recipients of 2007 Silver Glove Awards by the Northwoods League and Rawlings. The Silver Glove is awarded annually to the League’s “Finest in the Field”, recognizing the top fielders at each position.

This season, a total of ten players have been awarded a Silver Glove Award due to a tie at the pitcher position. The Huskies were one of three teams who have two players that earned the honor, along with the Mankato MoonDogs and St. Cloud River Bats.

The winners are selected based on the final official fielding statistics compiled by league statistician Sports Ticker, a Cheshire, Connecticut based sports statistical service company.

Bonadonna, from the University of Illinois, was both a mid-season and post-season Northwoods League All-Star in the 2007 season for the Huskies. He played in all 68 regular season games and both playoff games and set both single season and career records for stolen bases for the Huskies by accumulating 45 this season, bringing his career total to 75. In the field, Bonadonna sported a tremendous .975 fielding percentage.

First baseman Plagman, from Georgia Tech, made appearances in 47 games for the Huskies in 2007 and was about as sure handed as could be around first base. Plagman led the league in fielding percentage for first basemen with a .990 percentage by making only three errors all season.

Bonadonna and Plagman become the third and fourth Silver Glove winners in Huskies history joining outfielder Andy Scholl (Kansas, 2004) and pitcher Brian Schroeder (UCLA, 2005).

Former Huskies Vie for Championship

September 12, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Three former Duluth Huskies players found themselves smack in the middle of the Northwest League Championship Series staring down a familiar face in the opposing team's dugout. The Class A Northwest League Championship Series featured the defending league champion Salem-Keizer Volcanoes against the Tri-City Dust Devils in a best of three series.

The Volcanoes were led by second baseman Brock Bond as well as by relief pitcher Steve Edlefsen. Bond was a magnificent offensive performer for the Huskies in 2006 and carried a steady glove in the field and Edlefsen saw time in the infield as well as on the mound for the Huskies, also during the 2006 season.

In the Northwest League Championship Series Bond and Edlefsen saw themselves facing off against another former Duluth Huskie as catcher Lars Davis suited up to play behind the plate for the Tri-City Dust Devils. Davis was also a member of the 2006 Duluth Huskies and also returned to start the 2007 season in Duluth before being drafted in the 3rd Round by the Colorado Rockies.

All three played a significant role in the third and deciding game of the Northwest League Championship as the Volcanoes eventually won their second straight league title, and fourth in eight years, as they defeated the Dust Devils, who were making their first ever appearance in the Northwest League Playoffs. In the deciding game Bond went 2 for 4 and scored two runs for the Volcanoes while Edlefsen made an appearance in relief and threw three scoreless innings while allowing one hit and striking out three. For the runners up Dust Devils, Davis knocked in one of the Dust Devils two runs with an RBI ground out.

All three former Duluth Huskies had tremendous seasons in professional baseball and played a vital role in their teams successes into the Northeast League's Playoffs.

2007 Huskies Season in the Books

August 14, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and the St. Cloud River Bats both arrived at Wade Stadium on Tuesday night with a full day of baseball ahead of them. The two teams needed to finish off Game One which started Monday night in St. Cloud and was suspended when heavy rains saturated Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud with the two teams tied at four at the start of the seventh inning.

The River Bats jumped out quickly in Game One, which was resumed in Duluth from the time it was suspended, taking a 5 to 4 lead after the seventh inning. The River Bats added three more runs in the eighth inning and ended up taking the first game of the best of three series by the score of 8 to 4.

That brought on Game Two of the series with the Huskies faced with first round elimination for the second consecutive year. Duluth proved that the River Bats would be up for a fight in Game Two by jumping out to an early 1 to 0 lead when Chris House drove in Robby Price from second base with an RBI single through the right side.

Duluth moved ahead of the River Bats by the score of 4 to 0 when they pushed across three runs in the bottom of the third inning, all with two outs. Joey Bonadonna singled on a bunt and then stole second. Chris House followed that up with a walk. Logan Gelbrich then singled and drove in Bonadonna. Ryan Jones then reached first on a muffed throw by the first baseman that allowed both House and Gelbrich to score.

St. Cloud chipped away at the Huskies lead with a single run in the top of the fourth inning . Duluth added another run in the bottom of the fifth when Kevin Hansen scored from third base on a passed ball after House singled down the right field line. That Huskies run brought the Huskies lead to 5 to 1.

The River Bats cut the Huskies lead to 5 to 4 with three runs in the top of the sixth inning. St. Cloud then tied the game in the top of the seventh at 5 to 5. That is where the game stayed through the eighth inning before the St. Cloud River Bats took control of the game by scoring five highly contested runs in the top of the ninth inning. The Huskies bats were kept off the board in the bottom of the ninth inning as St. Cloud eliminated Duluth two games to zero.

The River Bats will now advance to the Northwoods League Championship Series to face the winner of the South Division Series, the Eau Claire Express.

Huskies Need to Bounce Back in Game Two

August 14, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and the St. Cloud River Bats resumed their rain suspended tie game from Monday night in St. Cloud on Tuesday evening in lovely Duluth, Minnesota.

The game resumed in the top of the seventh inning with the two teams locked in a 4 to 4 tie. The Huskies sent University of Nebraska pitcher Mike Nesseth to the hill to start the seventh while St. Cloud countered with Ryan Wrobel. It was the River Bats who were able to break the stalemate early in the bottom of the seventh inning as they pushed across a quick run off of Nesseth. The River Bats then scored three more times in the bottom of the eighth inning giving St. Cloud an 8 to 4 lead.

That would prove to be the final score as Wrobel was able to keep the Huskies bats quiet for the final three innings as he picked up the playoff victory for St. Cloud. Nesseth was sidled with the loss for Duluth. Huskies relief pitcher Brant Combs also appeared on the mound for the Huskies as he was able to work out of a tough jam in the bottom of the eighth inning.

The same two teams are getting together again for Game Two of the Series tonight at Wade Stadium in Duluth with the Huskies needing to pull out the victory in order to force Game Three which would take place Wednesday night in Duluth.

The winner of the North Division Championship Series will advance to play the winner of the South Division Championship Series, which got underway on Monday night with the Green Bay Bullfrogs defeating the Eau Claire Express by the score of 8 to 0. The Northwoods League Championship Series is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Friday, and (if necessary) Saturday.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies 2007 Playoff action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League Playoff action!

Playoff Baseball Back in Duluth

August 13, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and the St. Cloud River Bats kicked off the 2007 Northwoods League North Division Championship Series on Monday night in St. Cloud. The first half North Division Champion River Bats played host to Game One and after the first calendar day of play, we don't yet have a series leader.

The game in St. Cloud was cruising right along with both teams having opportunities and capitalizing on mistakes but following the third out of the bottom of the sixth inning with the game tied at 4 to 4, mother nature stepped in and the skies unloaded. As a result of the amount of rain that pummeled Joe Faber Field Game One has been suspended and will be resumed on Tuesday night in Duluth at Wade Stadium at 7:05 PM and will then be followed by the regularly scheduled Game Two of the Best-of-Three Series.

Starting pitchers Isaac Morales for St. Cloud and Zach Von Tersch for Duluth had both pitched all of the first six innings of the game and Huskies shortstop Robby Price has already come through at the plate with some important RBIs.

The winner of the North Division Championship Series will advance to play the winner of the South Division Championship Series, which also got underway on Monday night with the Green Bay Bullfrogs defeating the Eau Claire Express by the score of 8 to 0. The Northwoods League Championship Series is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Friday, and (if necessary) Saturday.

Make sure to come out to the Wade at 7:05 PM Tuesday, August 14th for some exciting Northwoods League Playoff action, and where you will get to see to pivotal games for the price of one! Also, remember that you can follow all of the Huskies 2007 Playoff action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League Playoff action!

Huskies Sweep in Playoff Preview

August 12, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies wrapped up the 2007 Regular Season in style on Sunday night in Duluth by defeating tomorrow night's playoff opponent, the St. Cloud River Bats, by the score of 10 to 3 in front of a record breaking crowd of 4,805 fans packed into historic Wade Stadium.

The 2007 Northwoods League North Division Second Half Champion Huskies sent Kansas University starting pitcher Nick Czyz (3-1) to the hill and he pitched very well for six innings giving one run on four hits while walking three and striking out four en route to picking up his third win of the season. Czyz left the game with the Huskies holding on to a 10 to 1 lead and was replaced on the hill by Ryan Romo. Romo worked the seventh inning allowing two runs on two hits while walking two and striking out one. Josh Syberg then came in for the eighth inning and gave up only one hit without allowing a run and walking one and striking out one. Huskies fan favorite Joey Bonadonna then came in and worked a scoreless ninth inning on the mound without allowing a hit and walking one.

The Huskies offense came to life when trailing by one run in the bottom of the second inning when University of Minnesota-Duluth third baseman David Olson led the inning off with a booming home run to deep left field. After the first out of the inning Chris Dove ripped a double down the left field line and scored the go ahead run on Robby Price's single to right field giving the Huskies a 2 to 1 lead.

The Huskies exploded big time in the bottom of the third inning by scoring eight runs giving the Huskies a huge 10 to 1 lead. The offense was led by Price, Bonadonna, and Gelbrich who each had three hits. Price also contributed one run scored and two RBIs while Bonadonna scored one run and had one RBI, and Gelbrich drove in two runs. Chris Dove also went two for four and scored two runs. On the night the Huskies rapped out 14 hits.

The biggest offense happening of the night happened when Joey Bonadonna stole second base in the second inning for his 45th base of the season which was also the 75th stolen base of his career, tying the career record for stolen bases for the Northwoods League.

The Huskies and the River Bats will face off again tomorrow in the first game of the Best of Three North Division Championship Series. The series will return to Duluth for Game Two and (if necessary) Game Three on Tuesday and Wednesday night with both games scheduled to start at 7:05 PM.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Take Road Finale

August 11, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies faced off against eventual playoff rival, the St. Cloud River Bats on Saturday night in St. Cloud in the final road game of the 2007 regular season. The Huskies managed to make the most of the River Bats mistakes and took home the 7 to 5 victory over St. Cloud.

The Huskies sent Kris Webber to the mound for his final start of the regular season for Saturday's game against the River Bats. Duluth jumped out to a 5 to 0 lead for Webber but in the sixth inning the River Bats proved they would be no push over. St. Cloud scored five runs to tie the game up and that would remain the score until the ninth inning.

In the top the ninth the Huskies proved more then capable of capitalizing on St. Cloud's errors when Duluth scored two unearned runs off of Ryan Seefus's error and held on in the bottom of the ninth for the 7 to 5 victory over the St. Cloud River Bats.

The Huskies and the River Bats will face off again on Sunday night in Duluth in the regular season finale at 7:05 PM. The same two teams will then face each other in the North Division Championship Series starting Monday night in St. Cloud then returning to Duluth for games two and three (if necessary) on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Sunday night will mark Charter Communications Fan Appreciation Night as fans will have the opportunity to win one of many magnificent prizes offered by one of the Huskies fantastic sponsors. Game time on Sunday night in 7:05 PM.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Three Huskies Named Post-Season All-Stars

August 11, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Northwoods League today announced its 2007 Post-Season All-Stars and the 2007 North Division Second Half Champion Duluth Huskies were represented by three honorees. Left handed pitcher Andy Marks from Kansas University led all vote getters in the Northwoods League. Marks is joined by right handed starting pitcher Zach Von Tersch from Georgia Tech and second baseman Joey Bonadonna.

Marks was a NWL Post-Season All-Star in 2006 and was a Mid-Season All-Star earlier this year. Marks also threw the first no-hitter in Duluth Huskies history when he accomplished the feat on July 16th in Brainerd against the Brainerd Blue Thunder. He is currently 7-3 on the season and is sporting a 1.83 ERA and recently became the Huskies career record holder for strikeouts as he currently sits at 142 in his two seasons in Duluth.

Von Tersch was also a Mid-Season All-Star earlier this year and has been a force to be reckoned with on the mound for Duluth all season long. Von Tersch currently is sitting at a 6-3 record with a 2.32 ERA and has 75 strikeouts in 77.2 innings pitched.

Everybody's favorite "lil' friend" Joey Bonadonna was also a Mid-Season All-Star earlier this season and currently is second in the Northwoods League in both walks and stolen bases. Bonadonna is also just two stolen bases away from breaking the Northwoods League record for career stolen bases which currently sits at 75. He has also been a solid presence at the second base position for the Huskies all season long.

The Huskies will conclude the regular season on Sunday, August 12th at Wade Stadium against the St. Cloud River Bats at 7:05 PM for Charter Communications Fan Appreciation Night. The Huskies will then kick off the Northwoods League Playoffs on Monday, August 13th in St. Cloud before returning to Duluth for games two and three (if necessary) of the Best of Three North Division Championship Series.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Jones Powers Huskies Into Playoffs

August 10, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies faced off against the hottest team in the Northwoods League on Friday night in Madison, the Madison Mallards. On Thursday night the Mallards set a Northwoods League record by winning their 16th straight game, but the Huskies proved that Friday was a new day and the boys from Duluth could smell a trip to the playoffs, and they did not disappoint. Entering the day the Huskies needed a win in Madison combined a Mankato loss and they would clinch the North Division's Second Half Championship.

The Huskies sent highly coveted starting pitcher Kyle Blair to the mound and Blair kept the Mallards batters off balance for much of the night. After giving up and single run in the first inning, Blair settled down and gave the Huskies the opportunity to jump back into the ball game.

The Huskies offense did just that in the top of the sixth inning when they put up five runs and jumped out to a 6 to 1 lead. The big blast in the sixth inning came off the bat of Ryan Jones when Jones connected on a three-run home run. Jones also had a triple and scored a run in the fifth inning which, at the time, tied the game at one run apiece.

Huskies closer Brant Combs then entered the game with the Huskies clinging to a 6 to 5 lead and Combs went to work at nailing down another Huskies victory en route to picking up his 10th save of the season. Combs did his best to try and make in interesting in the ninth inning when he hit the leadoff batter of Madison, but he then buckled down and cruised through the next three batters putting the finishing touches on the Huskies 6 to 5 win.

Following the Huskies victory the team became scoreboard watchers keeping a close eye on the happenings in Mankato. The MoonDogs seemed prepared to make the Huskies playoff party wait another day when they scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to force their game into extra innings, but St. Cloud pushed through a run in the top of the 10th inning and then held on to defeat Mankato by the score of 8 to 7.

The Huskies will now wrap up the regular season with a home and home series against the St. Cloud River Bats on Saturday and Sunday. The teams will meet in St. Cloud on Saturday and will then wrap up the regular season with a 7:05 PM tilt in Duluth on Sunday.

The Huskies will then start the 2007 Northwoods League Playoffs on Monday, August 13th against the North Division's First Half Champion, the St. Cloud River Bats. The North Division Championship Series is a best of three series that will start on Monday in St. Cloud and will return to Duluth for games two and three (if necessary). All games are scheduled to start at 7:05 PM.

Playoff tickets will go on sale on Saturday, August 11th from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM at the Huskies Downtown Duluth office located in the Holiday Center.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Madison Offense Too Much For Huskies

August 9, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies traveled to Madison, Wisconsin on Thursday to face off against the red-hot Madison Mallards in a two-game series scheduled for Thursday and Friday nights. On Thursday, the Mallards proved to be rude hosts as they jumped on top of the Huskies right away and kept piling on en route to a convincing 10-2 victory over Duluth, Madison's record setting 16th consecutive win.

The Huskies sent Mike Nihsen(4-4), who will be attending Creighton University this fall, to the hill in search of his fifth win of the season and looking to move the Huskies even closer to the North Division Second Half Championship. Unfortunately for Duluth the Mallards had plans of their own. Madison scored two runs in the top of the first inning and didn't look back scoring four more runs in both the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings and were well on their way for their record breaking 16th straight win, breaking the record of 15 straight set earlier this season by the Green Bay Bullfrogs.

The only Huskies runs came in the top of the sixth inning cutting the Madison lead to 6 to 2 at the time, but it proved to be too little too late.

The Huskies and Mallards will face off again on Friday night at 7:05 PM in Madison as the Huskies look to put some more space between themselves and the Second Place Mankato MoonDogs in the Northwoods League North Division Second Half Standings. Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Record Breaking Marks Leads Huskies Win

August 8, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and Mankato MoonDogs had to wait one hour and 48 minutes for the rain to clear before they were able to play ball on Wednesday night in Mankato, but both starting pitchers seemed unphased by the delay as they both went out and threw a couple of amazing games.

Luke Vine got the start for Mankato with the MoonDogs trailing the Huskies by only 1.5 games for the Second Half North Division Championship and Vine kept the Huskies batters off balance all night long throwing 7 2/3 innings allowing only one run on just two hits while walking two and striking out 14. That would be good enough for a win on most nights, but not on this night as Huskies starter Andy Marks proved to be up to the task as he threw eight shutout innings allowing only five hits while walking one and striking out 12 while picking up his seventh win of the season. Marks also broke the Duluth Huskies single season record for strikeouts which was 78 and was held by Steve Plucinski. Marks now sits at 83 strikeouts on the year. Marks also tied Plucinski's career record for strikeouts with 142 strikeouts in a Huskies uniform.

Marks left the game with the Huskies holding on to a 1 to 0 lead after scoring a single run in the top of the eighth inning. Robby Price got the rally started by drawing a one out walk off of Vine. Price then stole second base and advanced to third on a groud ball by Joey Bonadonna. After a MoonDogs pitching change Chris House from Georgia Tech then stepped to the plate and laced a single up the middle of the field driving in Price from third base giving Duluth the 1 to 0 lead.

That would continue to be the score when the Huskies made the call to Kyle Blair for his first appearance out of the bullpen for the bottom of the ninth inning against the MoonDogs 3-4-5 hitters. Blair made quick work of the MoonDogs while locking down the Huskies 1 to 0 victory and picking up his first save of the season.

The win pushed the Huskies record to 18-12 on the second half and extended their North Division lead to 2.5 games over the Second Place MoonDogs and 3.0 games over the Third Place Alexandria Beetles, who lost Wednesday night in Rochester.

The Huskies will now travel to Madison to face the red-hot Madison Mallards who have won 15 straight games. The Huskies and Mallards will face off at 7:05 PM on Thursday night in Madison. Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Big Inning Dooms Huskies in Mankato

August 7, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Mankato MoonDogs scored six runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to jump ahead of the Duluth Huskies on the scoreboard and eventually move to within 1.5 games of the First Place Huskies in the race for the North Division Second Half Championship.

Duluth sent right handed pitcher Zach Von Tersch from Georgia Tech to the mound looking to move the Huskies closer towards the Second Half Playoff Berth and Von Tersch pitched brilliantly for seven innings allowing only two runs on four hits while striking out 10 MoonDogs batters. Von Tersch left the game with the Huskies sitting pretty holding on to a 6 to 2 lead headed into the bottom of the eighth inning. That's when the wheels fell off. Ryan Romo relived Von Tersch to start the eighth and gave up three straight Mankato singles without recording an out before giving way to Brant Combs who recorded one out before the MoonDogs bats came alive and scored a total of six runs in the inning, with the big blast coming of of catcher Ben Geelan who hit a grand slam home run. University of Nebraska right hander Mike Nesseth entered the game in relief of Combs and recorded the final two outs of the inning with the Huskies now trailing by the score of 8 to 6.

The Huskies offense had Duluth in a good position for much of the game as Chris House went 2 for 5 with a double, a home run, two runs scored, and two RBIs. Jason Haniger also had a great night at the plate going 3 for 5 with a double, a home run, a run scored, and two RBIs. Kevin Hansen from the University of San Diego also added three hits to the Huskies cause while University of Minnesota-Duluth third baseman David Olson had a double and a run scored for the Huskies.

The 8 to 6 loss to the MoonDogs dropped the Huskies Second Half record to 17-12 on the season and allowed the MoonDogs to move within 1.5 games of the Huskies for First Place in the Northwoods League's North Division Standings. The Huskies and MoonDogs will face off again on Wednesday night in Mankato at 7:05 PM with Duluth looking to regain a stronger grasp as they continue their push towards the North Division's Second Half Title.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Expand Division Lead

August 6, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies woke up on Monday morning holding only a 0.5 game lead over the Alexandria Beetles, by the end of the night the Huskies led the Beetles by 2.0 games. The Huskies faced off against the Thunder Bay Border Cats on Monday night and thanks to some clutch pitching by Nick Czyz (2-1) and Brant Combs and some timely hits by Kevin Hansen and Joey Bonadonna the Huskies walked away with a 4 to 3 victory.

Czyz, from Kansas University made his second start of the year and picked up his second victory of the 2007 season by throwing 6 1/3 innings allowing only one run on only three hits while walking three and striking out four. Czyz was then relieved by closer Combs with one out in the top of the seventh inning and a runner on first. Combs worked out of that jam then finished off the game by throwing both the eighth and ninth innings allowing two runs on four hits while walking one. Combs picked up his ninth save of the year in the Huskies win.

At the plate the Huskies took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning when Justin Ellrich drove in Chris House with a single up the middle to center field. The Huskies were able to add another run in the bottom of the fifth when House drove in Hansen from third with a sacrifice fly to left field.

Thunder Bay narrowed the Huskies lead to 2 to 1 with a single run in the top of the sixth inning but the Huskies answered back in the bottom of the seventh when Hansen drove in Chris Dove from third base with an RBI double to left field which was followed up by a Bonadonna single to right center that drove in Hansen bringing the Huskies lead to 4 to 2.

Thunder Bay chipped away at the Huskies lead in the top of the eighth and ninth inning's with a single run in each inning off of Combs who buckled down when it mattered the most to get Marshal Davis to pop out to the shortstop for the last out of the game.

The Huskies win combined with a pair of Alexandria Beetles losses in Battle Creek pushed the Huskies to 2.0 games ahead of the rest of the North Division in the hunt for the Second Half Playoff Berth. Duluth will now head off on the longest road trip of the season playing two games in Mankato, two games in Madison and one game in St. Cloud before returning home for the final regular season home game of the season on Sunday August 12th at 7:05 PM against the St. Cloud River Bats.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Rally Comes Too Late

August 5, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies returned home to Wade Stadium on Sunday afternoon to face off against the Thunder Bay Border Cats in the first of a two game series scheduled for Sunday and Monday. On Sunday, the Huskies, wearing their blue alternate jerseys and their classic striped stir-ups, sent Kris Webber to the mound looking to keep the Huskies alone atop of the North Division's Second Half Standings.

Webber threw well against the Border Cats for six innings before giving way to reliever Josh Syberg to start the seventh. For the game Webber worked six innings allowing four runs on eight hits while walking three and striking out one. Syberg then came in and worked 1 1/3 innings allowing three runs, only one earned, on one hit. Mike Nesseth from the University of Nebraska then relieved Syberg in the eighth inning and worked the final 1 2/3 innings without allowing another Border Cats runner to reach base.

The Huskies offense started off cold against Border Cats starter Morgan Carlile by not even picking up a hit until the fifth inning. The offense then started to come alive in the sixth inning when Nick Sullivan led off the inning with a single through the right side. After an out, Ryan Jones then laced a single to right field that advance Sullivan to third. University of Minnesota-Duluth infielder David Olson then smacked a single through the left side of the infield that scored Sullivan from third putting the Huskies on the board. After the second out of the inning Justin Ellrich, from Kansas University then stepped in a smashed a triple over the right fielders head that drove in both Jones and Olson and brought the Huskies to within 4 to 3.

Thunder Bay widened their lead in the top of the eighth inning by scoring three runs, with the help of two Huskies errors, to bring the score to 7 to 3 in favor of the team from the great white north. The Huskies chipped back a little with a lone run in the bottom of the eighth inning when Ellrich drove a single up the middle that drove in Jones from third, who had led the inning off with a triple of his own.

The Huskies last gasp effort came in the bottom of the ninth inning when trailing by the score of 7 to 4 Chris House led off the inning with a double down the left field line. After the first out of the inning, Sullivan then laced a single through the left side of the infield that advanced House to third. After a pop fly to short right field accounted for the second out of the inning, Jones ripped a double over the left fielders head that scored both House and Sullivan and brought the score to 7 to 6 in favor of the Border Cats. Jones then stole third base putting the tying run just 90 feet from home, but that would be as close as the Huskies would get on this afternoon.

The loss drops the Huskies Second Half record to 16-11, but Duluth still holds a 0.5 game lead over Second Place Alexandria who was rained out on Sunday afternoon in Battle Creek and will make the game up as part of a doubleheader on Monday. The Huskies will face off against the Border Cats again on Monday night on anther Hardee's Resturants Monster Monday when the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a coupon for a buy one get one free Monster Burger from Hardee's Restaurant in Superior, Wisconsin.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Nihsen Leads Huskies Back Alone In First

August 4, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Starting Pitcher Mike Nihsen (4-3), who will be attending Creighton University this fall, and the Huskies offense combined to dispatch of the Alexandria Beetles on Saturday Night in Alexandria, Minnesota by the score of 7 to 3 and put the Huskies back alone in First Place of the Northwoods League's North Division Second Half Standings.

The Beetles, who now trail Duluth by 1.0 games in the North Division Standings, took an early 2 to 0 lead over Duluth in the bottom of the first inning with two quick runs off of Nihsen. Nihsen then settled down nicely and the Huskies bats got to work chipping away at the Beetles lead.

The Huskies scored one run in the top of the fourth inning bringing the score to 2 to 1 in favor of the Beetles. Then, the Huskies added another run in the top of the sixth inning tying the game at 2 to 2. That set the stage for a big Huskies inning in the top of the seventh inning, and the Huskies bats did not disappoint bursting out with three runs off of the Beetles relievers and then added two more in the top of the eighth giving Duluth a commanding 7 to 2 lead.

Huskies closer Brant Combs then entered the game in the eighth inning, in relief of Nihsen, and finished off the Beetles allowing only one insignificant run in the ninth bringing the final score to 7 to 3 in favor of Duluth.

The Huskies win pushed their Second Half record to 16-10 and gave them a 1.0 game lead over the now Second Place Alexandria Beetles. The win over Alexandria also gave Duluth the tie-breaker over the Beetles by winning the season series 5 games to 3. The Huskies will now return to Wade Stadium in Duluth for a two game series on Sunday and Monday against the Thunder Bay Border Cats, who have been sneaking up the North Division Standings and now trail Duluth by 4.0 games. Game time in Duluth on Sunday is 4:05 PM and on Monday it's 7:05 PM. Sunday is also Baseball Giveaway Day when the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free Duluth Huskies Baseball courtesy of Salem Lutheran Church in Hermantown, Minnesota.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Beetles Force First Place Tie

August 3, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies made the trip to Alexandria to face off against the Second Place Alexandria Beetles in two games on Friday and Saturday night holding a 1.0 game lead over the Beetles, at the end of the first night in Alexandria that lead would be gone. The Beetles managed to stay hot and scratched out three runs off of Huskies starting pitcher Kyle Blair as the Beetles defeated the First Place Huskies by the score of 3 to 1 forcing the two teams into a tie atop the North Division for the Second Half Championship.

Starting pitcher Blair threw well for Duluth for much of the game and was relieved by Mike Nesseth who kept the Beetles at bay for two innings but the Huskies offense wasn't able to muster anymore then the one run they had already scored. The lone Huskies run came in the top of the sixth inning, when the Huskies were already trailing 3 to 0, when Logan Gelbrich hit a sacrifice fly that drove in Jason Haniger from third base.

The Huskies and Beetles will face off again on Saturday night with sole possession of First Place in the North Division's Second Half Standings on the line. Duluth will send right handed pitcher Mike Nihsen, who will be attending Creighton University in the fall, to the hill looking to get the Huskies back on the winning track and back into their spot alone on top of the North Division.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Marks on Mark In Huskies Win

August 2, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Duluth Huskies field manager Adam Stahl tabbed Kansas University left handed pitcher Andy Marks (6-3) for the start against South Division leader Eau Claire and Marks did not disappoint. Marks took the hill in front of 1,349 of the Huskies faithful and threw brilliantly for eight innings allowing only one run on four hits while striking out 11 and walking only three as the Huskies stayed in front of the North Division's Second Half Standings with a 2 to 1 win on Turn Back the Clock Night to the 60's Night at the Wade.

All of the Huskies offense came in the first inning off of Express starter Elliot Ogawa. Robby Price led off the bottom of the first inning with a walk and was sacrificed to third base on a bunt by second baseman Joey Bonadonna. Chris House then singled to left field that advanced Price to third. That brought up Jason Haniger who reached first base on a fielder's choice that allowed House to advance all the way to third and brought Price in for the first run of the game. University of Nebraska outfielder Nick Sullivan then stepped to the plate and ripped a single through the right side of the infield that drove in House from third and gave the Huskies the 2 to 0 lead.

That would prove to be more than enough offense for Marks as he cruised through eight innings, only allowing a single run in the top of the seventh. Brant Combs then relieved Marks in the ninth and picked up his eighth save of the season by throwing a scoreless inning while allowing only one hit.

The win pushed the Huskies second half record to 15-9 and they stayed 1.0 games ahead of the Alexandria Beetles in the race for the second half playoff berth as Alexandria won again on Thursday night by the score of 10 to 6 over the Wisconsin Woodchucks.

The Huskies will now travel to Alexandria to face off against the Second Place Beetles for two big games on Friday and Saturday nights before returning to the Wade on Sunday and Monday for two games against the Thunder Bay Border Cats. Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Stay On Top With Win

August 1, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

With the tying run just 90 feet from home plate with two outs in the top of the ninth inning on Wednesday night at the Wade Huskies pitcher Brant Combs forced the Eau Claire Express batter to line out to centerfielder Chris Dove closing the deal on the Huskies 3 to 2 victory over the Express keeping the Huskies 1.0 games ahead of the Second Place Alexandria Beetles in the ever-contentious battle for the North Division Second Half Championship.

2007 Mid-Season All-Star Zach Von Tersch (6-3) from Georgia Tech got the start for the Huskies on the hill and threw well for 5 2/3 innings giving up just two runs on three hits while walking seven and striking out four while picking up his sixth win of the season. Ryan Romo then came in relief of Von Tersch and worked 1 2/3 innings scoreless innings without allowing a hit and striking out one. Combs then came in and picked up this 7th save of the season by working 1 2/3 scoreless innings while walking one.

The Huskies jumped on top quickly in the bottom of the third inning when Joey Bonadonna ripped an RBI single to left field scoring Kevin Hansen from third base and giving the Huskies a 1 to 0 lead as Bonadonna advanced to second on the throw to the plate. Bonadonna then stole third for his 41st stolen base of the season. Left fielder Chris House then hit a single to right center field that drove in Bonadonna giving the Huskies the 2 to 0 lead.

Duluth added their third and game winning run of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning when Dove led off the inning with a single to second base and then proceeded to steal second base. Nick Sullivan then advanced Dove to third with a sacrifice bunt. That brought up catcher Chris Schaeffer who reached first on a fielder's choice that allowed Dove to score on an error by the Express's shortstop. That would prove to be enough offense on this night as Von Tersch and the Huskies bullpen held on to the lead for the much needed Duluth victory.

The win pushed the Huskies record to 14-9 in the second half and kept them 1.0 game ahead of the Alexandria Beetles who defeated the Wisconsin Woodchucks by the score of 7-2 on Wednesday night in Alexandria. The Huskies and Express will face off again on Thursday night, but with a twist as the teams will be wearing Turn Back The Clock Uniforms from the old Northern League circa-1960's. The "Duluth Dukes" and "Eau Claire Bears" will take a step back in time as the whole stadium returns to the 1960's.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Border Cats Complete Sweep of Huskies

July 31, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Thunder Bay Border Cats moved to within 3.0 games of the First Place Duluth Huskies by completing a two game sweep of Duluth at Port Arthur Stadium in Thunder Bay, Ontario on Tuesday night with a 6 to 3 win over the Huskies.

The loss for the Huskies dropped the team to 13-9 on the second half and they now hold just a 1.0 game lead over the Second Place Alexandria Beetles who defeated the St. Cloud River Bats by the score of 6-5 on Tuesday night.

Duluth will now travel back home to the friendly confines of Wade Municipal Stadium where they will host the Eau Claire Express in a two-game series. The Huskies will be looking to regain some of the distance between themselves and the rest of the pack in the Northwoods League's North Division. Both games are at 7:05 PM CST in Duluth.

Wednesday night will be Baseball Card Night presented by RBC Dain Rauscher and Stewart Taylor Printing. The Huskies will be handing out the official card set of the 2007 Duluth Huskies season to the first 500 fans through the gates. Thursday will bring Turn Back the Clock to the 60's Night as the "Duluth Dukes" will face the "Eau Claire Bears" as all of Wade Stadium takes a step back in time.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Border Cats Edge Huskies

July 30, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies made the trip to the great white north of Canada on Monday to face Division Rival Thunder Bay Border Cats for two games on Monday and Tuesday nights. The trip to Canada was the Huskies second trip north of the border on the year as the two teams split the two games played up their earlier in the summer.

On Monday night the Huskies sent native Canadian Kris Webber (1-1) to the mound in search of Webber's second win of the season in his tenth start of the summer. Unfortunately for Duluth, Webber's tough luck when it comes to picking up wins continued in Thunder Bay as the Border Cats edged Duluth by the score of 3 to 2.

The loss dropped Duluth to 13-8 on the second half, but the team will still still be at least 2.0 games ahead of the rest of the pack in the search of the second half playoff berth. The win for Thunder Bay was the Border Cats fourth in a row as they now sit at 9-12 on the season closing to within 4.0 games of the First Place Duluth Huskies.

The same two teams will face off at Port Arthur Stadium in Thunder Bay, Ontario again on Tuesday night at 6:05 PM CST. The Huskies will be looking to rebound from Monday night's loss and stay on top of the North Division standings.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Gelbrich Propels Huskies Walk-Off

July 28, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies saw another large crowd enter the Wade on Saturday night as they hosted the Alexandria Beetles for the second straight day in Duluth. The Huskies also treated this group of fans to an exciting finish as those fans who stuck around into the 10th inning saw the defining plays of the dramatic Huskies win as Duluth pulled it out by the score of 4 to 3.

The night didn't go the best on the field for much of the night for the Huskies as they found themselves trailing for much of the game after the Beetles put up three runs on four hits in the top of the third inning off of Huskies starting pitcher Mike Nihsen. Nihsen settled down and actually threw a brilliant game working all the way into the 10th inning. For the game Nihsen threw nine innings allowing three runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out five. Brant Combs then entered the game in relief of Nihsen with runner on first base and no outs in the tenth inning. Combs managed to work out of it with out allowing a hit or another runner to reach base.

The Huskies hitters saw a couple of players step into the spotlight with clutch hits. Chris House from Georgia Tech stepped in at the plate with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning with Kevin Hansen standing on third base and Robby Price on second. House came up with a huge single to left center field that scored both Hansen and Price and tied the game back at 3 to 3. That remained the score into the tenth inning when Logan Gelbrich stepped to the plate with his chance to be a hero. With two outs in the bottom of the tenth and Hansen on second base and Joey Bonadonna on first Gelbrich laced a single up the middle scoring Hansen from second base for the winning run as the Huskies pulled out the big win over the second place Alexandria Beetles.

The win pushed the Huskies second half record to 13-7 and increased their lead in the North Division to 3.0 games over Alexandria. The Huskies will enjoy an off day on Sunday before traveling to Thunder Bay on Monday and Tuesday to face off against the Border Cats for two games and will send native Canadian pitcher Kris Webber to the hill for the start on Monday night. The Huskies will return home on Wednesday and Thursday to face off against the Eau Claire Express for two games.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Beetles Run Over Huskies

July 27, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and the Alexandria Beetles took the field at Wade Municipal Stadium in Duluth on Friday night in front of the largest crowd in Duluth Huskies history on Strike Out Breast Cancer at Ladies Night. The home Duluth Huskies took the field wearing Pink Jerseys and the first 500 ladies in attendance received a pink visor courtesy of Duluth Clinic and MIX 108. The Pink jerseys were also auctioned off during the game with the proceeds going to the Duluth Clinic Breast Program and to the Young Survivors Coalition.

The First Place Huskies sent the Los Angeles Dodgers third round draft pick Kyle Blair to the mound in search of his third win of the season, unfortunately the Second Place Beetles had other thoughts as the jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back as the Huskies fell by the score of 6 to 1. In the game the Beetles stole six bases off of the Huskies.

For the game Blair worked six innings allowing four runs, two of them earned, on four hits while walking two and striking out nine, but was sidled with his second loss of the season. Blair was then relieved by Mike Nesseth with the Huskies trailing by the score of 4 to 0. Nesseth worked the seventh and eighth innings allowing one run on one hits while walking one and striking out one. Josh Syberg then made his return to the mound after spending some time on the DL and worked the ninth inning allowing one more Beetle run on two hits with one strikeout.

The Huskies bats were stifled for much of the night by the Beetles pitching. Alexandria's starter Richard Bleier allowed only one hit through the first five innings of the contest. Kevin Hansen from the University of San Diego had the only two hit game for Duluth and left fielder Chris House from Georgia Tech had a hit and scored a run. Catcher Chris Schaeffer from the University of Florida went one for one with a RBI after entering the game when Jason Haniger was hit by a pitch. Huskies stolen base leader Joey Bonadonna also added another stolen base to his season total to 39 on the season.

The Huskies and Beetles will face off again on Saturday night for Mini Bat Night presented by the Minnesota Timber Producers. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a free Duluth Huskies mini bat! Make sure to get out to the stadium to set another attendance record for the Huskies and to cheer them on as they make the push towards the second half playoff berth. The Huskies are still holding a 2.0 game lead over the Alexandria Beetles following Friday's game.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Late Inning Heroics Equal Huskies Sweep

July 26, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and Brainerd Blue Thunder entered the day knowing that they would be taking part in an unusual day of baseball, they had no idea of exactly how out of the ordinary it really would be. The Huskies boarded a beautiful Minnesota Coaches bus on Thursday morning and made the trip west to vacation country, but today's trip was all business. The two teams took the field for their scheduled 12:35 PM first game of the doubleheader with Huskies pitcher Andy Marks, who threw a no-hitter in his last outing against the Blue Thunder, toeing the rubber for Duluth.

The two teams make it through four and 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball before mother nature started wrecking havoc on the festivities. The rain started coming down heavily in Brained forcing the two teams to board the buses earlier then expected and head towards Duluth with plans to complete the game in progress and follow it up with a seven inning contest. At the time of the delay Marks was working on another no-hitter.

When the teams arrived in Duluth the rains had already made their mark on the Twin Ports, this caused a further delay then the planned 6:35 PM start time as play was finally able to resume at Wade Stadium at 7:45 PM. It didn't take long for Duluth to show their comfort begin back in their home field scoring three quick runs in the top of the fifth inning. That would be all that the Huskies needed, but the offense still tacked on more runs bringing the final score to 8 to 2.

After the mandatory 20 minute break between games the two teams laced them up once again and faced off in a scheduled seven inning contest. Things did not go as smoothly for Duluth in the second game as they had in the first, but once again the final score saw the Huskies on top.

The big right hander from Georgia Tech, Zach Von Tersch, took the hill for the Huskies in the second game of the twin billing. The hard throwing pitcher worked five innings and left the game with Duluth trailing Brainerd by the score of 5 to 4. Mike Nesseth then worked a scoreless inning of relief in the sixth and Brant Combs did the same in the seventh setting the stage for some last inning Huskies heroics.

With the Huskies trailing by one run Chase Austin led off the inning by lacing a single to center field. Austin was then sacrificed to second on a bunt by Logan Gelbrich. Following a fly ball out to centerfield Chris Dove stepped up to the plate with a runner on second and two outs. Dove proved to be cool under pressure as he drove a single to center field driving Austin around to tie the game. Dove then stole second base with Nick Sullivan at the plate, and then it was time for Sullivan to be the hero. Sullivan was also up to the challenge as he singled up the middle that scored Dove from second base giving Duluth the 6 to 5 victory.

The pair of Huskies wins brought their second half record to 12-6 on the season and sent the team to 3.0 games up on Alexandria who lost to the Thunder Bay Border Cats by the score of 7 to 3. The Huskies will take the field at Wade Stadium again on Friday and Saturday night against the Alexandria Beetles, both games start at 7:05 PM at the Wade. Friday night is Ladies Night - Strike Out Breast Cancer Night at the Wade as the Huskies will be wearing pink jerseys which will be auctioned off in a silent auction during the game with the proceeds going to the Duluth Clinic Cancer Center.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Take First Game of Doubleheader

Gelbrich Powers Huskies Past Woodchucks

July 24, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies faced off against the Wisconsin Woodchucks in the second game of a two game series in Wausau, Wisconsin holding on to a two game lead in the second half standings for the North Division and ended up taking home their first win in Wausau since 2004 as Duluth won by the score of 2 to 1.

Kris Webber (1-0) took the mound for his ninth start of the season still looking for his second win. Webber threw wonderful for six strong innings allowing only one Woodchuck run, but left the game with the Huskies stuck in a 1 to 1 tie and was doomed to another no-decision. Reliever Matt Patterson (2-0) took the mound and worked scoreless seventh and eighth innings and started the ninth, before giving way to Brant Combs who worked out of a first and third with no outs jam without allowing a runner to cross the plate earning his sixth save of the season. Patterson was credited with his second win of the year.

The Huskies were able to break the 1 to 1 stalemate in the top of the eighth inning when Chase Austin smacked a double off of the wall putting himself in scoring position for Logan Gelbrich who knocked out an RBI hit driving in Austin from second on a close play at the plate giving the Huskies the 2 to 1 lead and eventually the victory.

The Huskies win kept their division lead at 2.0 games and pushed their second half record to 10-6 on the half. Duluth will now travel back home to enjoy an off day on Wednesday before taking place in a rare home and home doubleheader starting Thursday afternoon and 12:35 PM and returning back to the Wade Thursday night at 7:35 PM against the Brainerd Blue Thunder.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Let Win Slip Through Their Fingers

July 23, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies traveled to Wausau, Wisconsin from Alexandria, Minnesota on Monday to face the Wisconsin Woodchucks in two games on Monday and Tuesday nights. The two division leaders met in what was sure to be a nail-biter, and that's how it turned out on Monday night with the Woodchucks taking the first game of the series by the score of 3 to 2.

The Huskies and Woodchucks were deadlocked in a 2 to 2 stalemate for much of the evening, until the bottom of the ninth inning. In the bottom of the ninth, the Woodchucks were able to force across the winning run on an error by usually sure handed third baseman Kevin Hansen.

The loss dropped the Huskies to 9-6 on the second half, but the team stayed 2.0 games up as both the Alexandria Beetles and Rochester Honkers lost in their respective games. The Huskies will face off against the Woodchucks again on Tuesday night at 6:35 PM in Wausau before returning home to Wade Stadium on Thursday night hosting the Brainerd Blue Thunder in a split doubleheader with the second game coming at 7:35 at the Wade.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Stay Alone in First

July 22, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies knocked out 13 hits and scored eight runs as the offense continued to stay hot during Duluth's trip to Alexandria. The Huskies pitching also got the job done by protecting a Huskies lead from the second inning on.

The Huskies completed the sweep of the Beetles by winning by the score of 8 to 4 in Alexandria on Sunday night. The Huskies combined to score 19 runs in the two games in Alexandria and went from a tie for first place to holding a two-game lead over both the Beetles and the Rochester Honkers.

The 9-5 Huskies will now travel to Wausau, Wisconsin for a two game series against the South Division leading Wisconsin Woodchucks on Monday and Tuesday nights. Game time in Wausau is scheduled for 6:35 PM on both nights. The Huskies and Woodchucks have faced off only twice before, with both games coming at Wade Stadium in Duluth on June 19th and 20th. The Huskies won both of those games but the Woodchucks have been the league's hottest team in the second half posting a 11-3 record in the first 14 games.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Marks Leads Huskies into First Place

July 21, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and All-Star pitcher Andy Marks, who threw a no-hitter during his last start, traveled to Alexandria, Minnesota to face the Alexandria Beetles for two games on Saturday and Sunday nights. The Huskies and Beetles entered the day in a tie atop the North Division Second Half Standings, thanks to some hot Huskies bats and some brilliant pitching by Marks, the Huskies would end the day alone in first.

The Huskies found themselves trailing early by the score of 1 to 0 by then scored nine consecutive runs to take a 9 to 1 lead. The Beetles chipped back with lone runs the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings, but Duluth answered back to those with a run in both the eighth and ninth innings giving them the 11 to 3 victory.

That offensive production was more than enough for Marks as he pitched seven strong innings allowing three runs on only five hits while striking out five en route to earning the win.

The win pushed the Huskies record to 8-5 on the second half and alone in First Place in the battle for the second half playoff berth. The Huskies and Beetles will face off again on Sunday evening in Alexandria. Game time on Sunday night is 7:05 PM. Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Large Crowd Sees Huskies Fall

July 20, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

On a night when 3,116 fans packed in to historic Wade Stadium, the fourth largest crowd in Huskies history, the team took a tough loss at the hands of the Mankato MoonDogs by the score of 4 to 2.

The brick walls of Wade Stadium were rocking with much of the night and the energy from the large crowd was felt well into the parking lot, unfortunately the crowd's will wasn't enough to push the Huskies to victory. Zach Von Tersch (5-3) got the start on the mound and threw well, but still got saddled with the loss after going 7 2/3 innings and allowing four runs, only two of them earned, on six hits while walking one and striking out six. Adian Kummet, from The College of St. Scholastica, relieved Von Tersch and walked two batters before Matt Patterson came in and worked the final 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball while walking one.

At the plate the Huskies took an early lead with one run in the bottom of the first inning when Joey Bonadonna ripped a double to left field and then proceeded to steal third base. Bonadonna then scored the first run of the game on a throwing error by the catcher. That 1 to 0 score held until the top of the sixth inning when Mankato scored two runs to take the lead. Duluth tied the game back up in the bottom of the seventh when Bonadonna reached first on a one out walk then proceeded to steal second then scored one a RBI single by right fielder Ryan Jones. That tied the game back at 2 to 2, but then Mankato took the lead for good with two more runs in the top of the eighth inning. That proved to be enough as the Huskies bats went down quietly in the eighth and ninth.

The Huskies loss dropped their record to 7-5 and into a first place tie with the Alexandria Beetles, who beat the Rochester Honkers by the score of 3 to 2. The Huskies now travel to face the Beetles for two games in Alexandria on Saturday and Sunday and then move on to Wausau, Wisconsin to face the Wisconsin Woodchucks for two more games on Monday and Tuesday.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Blair and Huskies Jump Over the Moon(Dogs)

July 19, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

On the night when the Duluth Huskies sent their prized horse to the mound for the first time in Duluth everything seemed to click. Los Angeles Dodgers fifth round draft pick Kyle Blair, who is slated to attend the University of San Diego in the fall, started the game for Duluth and absolutely dominated the Mankato MoonDogs hitters.

Blair, who was making his first appearance in front of the Huskies faithful in Wade Stadium, threw eight innings of shutout ball while only allowing one hit, a double in the third inning, and striking out twelve batters and only waking one. Blair was then relieved by Mike Nesseth in the ninth inning with the Huskies holding a commanding 13 to 0 lead.

The Huskies bats were all over the MoonDogs pitching all night long as they knocked out a season high 13 runs on 16 hits. Robby Price, Chase Austin, and Jason Haniger each had three hits each with Price also scoring three runs and scoring one run, Haniger had two RBIs and two runs scored, and Austin scored one run. Outfielders Chris Dove and Nick Sullivan each had two hits in the game with Dove scoring three runs and Sullivan scored one run and had one RBI. Logan Gelbrich, Tony Plagman, and Kevin Hansen also each contributed a hit to the Huskies hit parade.

The Huskies win increased the Huskies record to 7-4 so far in the second half and kept the team a game up in the standings in the race for a berth in the Northwoods League playoffs. The Huskies and MoonDogs will face off again on Friday night at the Wade for Famous Dave's Blues and BBQ Night on the Kennel Klub Sports Deck along with Superior Jaycee's Night at the Ballpark. The Huskies will be sending Zach Von Tersch to the mound against the MoonDogs against Luke Vine for Mankato. Game time for Friday is 7:05 PM.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Finish On Top of Teeter-Totter Game

July 18, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

In a game that had as many ups and downs as a rollercoaster at Valleyfair down in Shakopee, MN, the Huskies were able to finish on top in a crucial game for the North Division Standings as the Huskies defeated the visiting Green Bay Bullfrogs by the score of 11 to 6.

The Huskies took the lead early as they put up two runs in the bottom of the second inning as Nick Sullivan and Robby Price each came through with RBI singles. The Bullfrogs tied the game up with a run in each of the top of the third and forth innings. The Huskies took the lead back with a run in the bottom of the third when Logan Gelbrich scored on a throwing error by Green Bay's pitcher. The top of the fifth inning proved to be Green Bay's turn to take the lead back with two more runs in the inning bringing the score to 4 to 3. Duluth jumped back in front with two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning when Tony Plagman hit a RBI double and Sullivan had his second RBI single of the game. The top of the seventh meant that it was Green Bay's turn to try to seize the game when they scored two more times giving themselves back the 6 to 5 lead. Then came the bottom of the seventh when the Huskies offense exploded for six runs with Plagman again picking up the big hit with a two RBI double to left center driving in Joey Bonadonna and Chris Dove.

On the mound for the Huskies Kris Webber got the start and Nick Czyz, Mike Nesseth, and Brant Combs all made relief appearances with Combs picking up his third win of the season by working two and 2/3 scoreless innings while walking one and picking up one strikeout.

The Huskies win pushed their record to 6-4 on the second half and kept them in first place of the North Division second half standings. The Huskies will be back in action on Thursday night in Duluth for Minnesota Twins Night and another Sunsational Thursday. The Minnesota Twins organist and mascot T.C. Bear will be on hand and two lucky fans will win two vouchers for round trip tickets to Las Vegas on Allegiant Air as the Huskies face off against the Mankato MoonDogs. Game time on Thursday and Friday at the Wade is 7:05 PM.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Luck Runs Out Against Bullfrogs

July 17, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

On St. Patrick's Night in July at Wade Stadium on Tuesday night in Duluth, the Huskies seemed to have the Luck of the Irish on their side from the get-go, unfortunately for the Huskies that luck ran out later in the game.

On the day after pitcher Andy Marks made team history by becoming the first Huskie pitcher to throw a no-hitter Tuesday's starter Tim Clubb seemed prepared to duplicate the feat. Clubb pitched brilliantly for five innings, in fact Clubb didn't allow a hit through the first five innings, before the Bullfrogs finally broke through in the top of the sixth inning. For the game, Clubb threw five innings allowing four runs on only two hits while walking four and striking out one. Clubb was relieved by Matt Patterson with no outs and the bases loaded in the top of the sixth. Patterson stopped the bleeding by working 3 2/3 scoreless innings while only allowing three hits and striking out two. Lefty Brant Combs entered the game with two outs and a runner on second and worked what turned out to be the final inning and 1/3 of the ballgame allowing two runs on two hits while walking one and collecting one strikeout.

The Huskies bats seemed to have the Bullfrogs number early in this contest when by scoring in each of the first three innings taking an early 3 to 0 lead all the way to the top of the sixth. After the Bullfrogs took the lead in the top of the sixth the Huskies were able to tie it up again in the bottom of the inning.

For the game the Huskies bats were led by shortstop Robby Price and centerfielder Chris Dove who both went two for five with a RBI and a run scored. Dove also added two stolen bases. Chase Austin and Kevin Hansen each also added a hit and a RBI to the Huskies cause.

The 6 to 4 ten inning loss dropped the Huskies second half record to 5-4 and into a four way tie for first place for the second half of the season. The Huskies and Bullfrogs will face off again Wednesday night at the Wade for "Wheel into the Wade Night" when area Rotary Clubs will be enjoying the game. Wednesday is also another Kids Eat Free Wednesday when kids 12 & under receive a free hot dog and small soda with the purchase of a regular priced ticket.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Marks Throws No-Hitter, Huskies Split

July 16, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Andy Marks from Kansas University made Duluth Huskies history on Monday evening in Brainerd when, in game one of the doubleheader, he threw the first no-hitter in team history and only the seventh in the history of the Northwoods Leauge.

In the Huskies 2 to 0 victory in the first game of the doubleheader Marks threw a complete game (seven innings) while striking out 12 without allowing a single Blue Thunder hit. Marks, who was a 2007 Northwoods League All-Star, has been an anchor in a stellar Huskies starting rotation all season long and Monday night's performance is just another highlight in what has been a spectacular Northwoods League career for Marks, leaving only better things to come in the future.

Unfortunately for Duluth in game two of the doubleheader the Brainerd Blue Thunder's bats awoke in the bottom of the sixth inning with two runs that proved to be enough as Brainerd defeated Duluth by the score of 2 to 1. Mike Nihsen got the start for Duluth in game two and threw extremely well, but it just wasn't enough as the Huskies bats were only able to muster one run off of the Blue Thunder pitching. For the day, the Huskies pitchers only allowed two Blue Thunder hits but it seemed that a series sweep was not in the cards.

The Huskies will now return home on Tuesday night to start a four game home stand starting against the Green Bay Bullfrogs, who will be making their first ever appearance in Wade Municipal Stadium. Game times for all four games at the Wade is 7:05 PM.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies v Blue Thunder Postponed

July 15, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and the Brainerd Blue Thunder were schedule to play at 6:05 PM on Sunday night in Brainerd. Mother Nature had other plans. Sunday night's game was postponed due to rain and as a result the two teams will play a doubleheader on Monday in Brainerd, game time for the first game is scheduled for 5:05 PM.

The two teams will play two seven inning contests as the Huskies look to keep a hold of first place in the North Division for the league's second half.

Following the doubleheader Monday in Brainerd the Huskies will return to Duluth for a four game home stand kicked off by the first ever appearance of the Green Bay Bullfrogs in Duluth. All four games are scheduled for 7:05 PM in Duluth.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Extra Innings Derail Hopes of Series Split

July 13, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and the Eau Claire Express took the field on Saturday night in Eau Claire looking to send one of the two teams home with a victory within nine innings, unfortunately for Duluth it would take ten.

Zach Von Tersch took the hill for Duluth and after a rough start really settled down and battled for the Huskies. At one point in the game Von Tersch even struck out five straight Express batters. At the plate Huskies outfielder Chris House knocked out his first homerun of the season and Robby Price knocked out four hits. Unfortunately the efforts of those three men wasn't enough as the Express drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning as Adian Kummet hit the Express batter with the bases loaded giving Eau Claire the 5 to 4 extra inning victory.

The loss dropped the Huskies to 4-2 on the second half. Duluth will now travel to Brainerd for a two game series against the Brainerd Blue Thunder. Game times in Brainerd are 6:05 PM on Sunday and 7:05 PM on Monday before returning home on Tuesday to kick off a four game home stand starting with the Green Bay Bullfrogs, making their first ever trip to Wade Stadium.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Express Stop Huskies Winning Train

July 13, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Coming off of the three day All-Star Break the Duluth Huskies traveled to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to take on the Eau Claire Express in a two-game set Friday and Saturday nights. On Friday the Huskies sent out the Los Angeles Dodgers fifth round pick, Kyle Blair, to the hill for his third start of the season in search of his second win.

Unfortunately for the boys from Duluth, luck just wasn't on their side tonight. The Eau Clair Express bats jumped out early and often as the Huskies took their first loss of the second half by the score of 8 to 5. The game was not without some excitement; however, as the Huskies faced a few ejections early in the game that put Duluth a bit behind the eight ball.

The Huskies and Express will face off again on Saturday night in Eau Claire on a Turn Back the Clock night as the "Duluth Dukes" will face off against the "Eau Claire Bears." The Huskies will send 2007 Northwoods League All-Star Zach Von Tersch, from Georgia Tech, to the mound looking to secure the series split with Eau Claire. Game time on Saturday night is 7:05 PM.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Enter All-Star Break Hot

July 9, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies took the Wade Stadium field against the Thunder Bay Border Cats at 7:05 PM on Monday night and completed the two game sweep of the only Canadian team in the Northwoods League by defeating the Border Cats by the score of 8-4.

The Huskies fell behind early when Thunder Bay scored a first inning run off of starting pitcher Andy Marks, but that would be the only Border Cats lead of the day as Marks found his grove and ended up working six innings while recording his third win of the season. For the game, Marks allowed two runs, only one earned, while walking six and striking out seven. Marks gave way to the Huskies bullpen with Duluth sitting pretty with a 8 to 2 lead. Matt Patterson made his Wade Stadium debut and worked one scoreless inning while walking two. The eighth inning brought in Adian Kummet who worked 2/3 of an inning allowing two runs on three hits while walking one and striking out two. Brant Combs then entered the game to put the Border Cats out of their misery and squelch any hopes they had of a comeback. Combs worked the final 1 1/3 innings while allowing only one hit and striking out two without allowing a single Border Cat to cross the plate en route to picking up his fifth save of the season.

The Huskies bats put the pitching staff in a great position by scoring eight runs between the third and sixth innings, including a four run fourth. The Huskies bats were led by leadoff batter Robby Price who went 3 for 4 with one RBI and one run scored. Catcher Jason Haniger and centerfielder Chris Dove each added two hits with Haniger scoring one run and Dove scoring two, plus he stole a base. All-Star second baseman Joey Bonadonna also stole two bases bringing his stolen base total up to 31 on the season.

The Huskies will now enjoy three days off for the All-Star Game, taking place Wednesday night in Mankato. Marks, Bonadonna, and starting pitcher Zach Von Tersch will all be representing the Huskies in the mid-season classic. Designated hitter Justin Ellrich will also make the trip to Mankato to participate in the Home Run Derby.

The Huskies will return to the field on Friday night in Eau Claire against the Express. Game time on Friday and Saturday in 7:05 PM. Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Rout Border Cats

July 8, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies returned home on Sunday afternoon for a 4:05 PM match-up against the Thunder Bay Border Cats and Duluth kept up their strong start to the season's second half. The Huskies knocked out 13 hits and capitalized on five Border Cats errors while starting pitcher Tim Clubb (4-2) worked eight shutout innings during the Huskies 8 to 0 shutout victory.

Duluth took the first lead of the in the bottom of the second inning when Jason Haniger ripped a one out double to left field. Chris Dove then singled to right field advancing Haniger to third. University of Nebraska outfielder Nick Sullivan then drove in Haniger with a fielder's choice. Sullivan then got caught stealing to end the inning.

Duluth's really started to jump all over the Border Cats in the bottom of the sixth inning when Joey Bonadonna led off the inning with a single to right field. Chase Austin then advanced Bonadonna to second with a well placed bunt. Logan Gelbrich reached first base on an error by the Border Cats shortstop that scored Bonadonna from second base. Christian Overstreet then entered the game as a pinch runner for Gelbrich. Chris House followed that up with a bunt single and advanced to second base on a throwing error by the pitcher advancing Overstreet to third. That brought up Haniger who tripled to center field bringing home both Overstreet and House. Bringing the score to 4 to 0 in the Huskies favor.

The Huskies started the merry-go-round on the base paths once again in the bottom of the seventh inning when Kevin Hansen led the inning off with a single and advanced to second on an error by the Border Cats right fielder. Robby Price then reached base on another error by the shortstop advancing Hansen to third. Bonadonna followed that up with a walk loading up the bases. That brought up pinch hitter Justin Ellrich who reached on a fielder's choice that scored Hansen from third on a throwing error by the first baseman. Haniger once again had the big hit of the inning when he scorched a double down the right field line driving in Ellrich and Bonadonna and advancing Tony Plagman, who had reached on fielder's choice, to third base. Chris Dove then singled to second base driving in Plagman bringing the score to 8 to 0, which is where it would end.

On the mound Tim Clubb had another fantastic outing by throwing eight shutout innings while allowing only four Border Cats hits and striking out two with only one walk. Reliever Tim Kelley then came in and worked a scoreless ninth inning to secure the team shutout. Kelley allowed only one hit and walked one with one strikeout.

The 3-0 Huskies will face off against the Border Cats again on Monday night at 7:05 PM at Wade Stadium in Duluth for another Hardee's Restaurant Monster Monday. Duluth will be sending left handed pitcher, and 2007 Northwoods League All-Star, Andy Marks to the hill with the team looking to improve to 4-0 on the second half.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Come Back Against Rochester

July 8, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and the Rochester Honkers played the second game of a two-game series in Rochester on Saturday night and the Huskies took the series sweep with a 4 to 3 victory.

Kyle Blair (1-0) got the start for Duluth and picked up the win after going six innings allowing only three runs on five hits while striking out nine without walking a single batter. Blair was relieved by Huskies newcomer Matt Patterson who worked a scoreless seventh inning without allowing a baserunner and striking out one. Patterson then gave way to Adian Kummet, from The College of St. Scholastica, who kept the Honkers off of the board for 1 1/3 innings while walking one and striking out three. Brant Combs then came in and recorded the final two outs of the game in quick fashion en route to picking up his fourth save of the season.

At the plate the Huskies were able to take the lead in the top of the sixth with three runs on four hits in the inning. For the game center fielder Chris Dove went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and left fielder Chris House also added two hits while knocking in one and scoring one run.

The Huskies win pushed their record to 2-0 for the second half and in a tie for first place with the Alexandria Beetles. The Huskies will be back at Wade Stadium on Sunday and Monday for a two-game series against the Thunder Bay Border Cats. Game time on Sunday is 4:05 PM and on Monday it's 7:05 PM. Make sure to get down to the Wade to catch all of the exciting Huskies action!

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Huskies Start Second Half Swinging

July 6, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies traveled to Rochester on Friday night to kick off the second half of the 2007 Northwoods League season with two games against the Rochester Honkers. The Huskies seemed relieved to have a fresh start at going after a playoff berth as they jumped all over the Honkers early and often.

Duluth gave starting pitcher Zach Von Tersch, a newly named NWL All-Star, plenty of run support right away in the game when they scored four runs in the top of the first inning. The Huskies offense then added to their lead with another run in the top of the second. Six more Huskies runs in the top of the third inning brought the Huskies lead to 11 to 0 with the fans in Rochester barely settling in their seats.

Leading the Huskies offensive charge was second baseman, and another Huskies All-Star, Joey Bonadonna who went 3 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Third baseman Kevin Hansen, from the University of San Diego, also added three hits to the winning effort while scoring two runs and driving in another. Chris House and Chris Dove both also added two hits, a run scored, and a RBI. While, Cather Jason Haniger had two hits and a run scored. Designated Hitter Justin Ellrich, who will represent the Huskies in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game, also went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs.

On the mound Von Tersch cruised behind the Huskies offensive attack and kept the Honkers at bay for most of the game. For the game Von Tersch went seven innings allowing only one run on only four Rochester hits. Von Tersch also walked one and struck out six. Von Tersch was then relieved by Josh Syberg in the eighth inning. Syberg went the final two innings allowing one run on two hits while striking out one without walking a single batter.

The win puts the Huskies at 1-0 in the second half as they look to track down the playoff berth that barely eluded them just a few days earlier. The same two teams will face off again Saturday night in Rochester as Duluth will send Kyle Blair to the hill for his second start of the season.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Three Huskies To Represent The North

July 6, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced that three members of the 2007 team have been selected to represent the North Division at the 2007 Northwoods League All-Star Game to be held Wednesday, July 11th in Mankato, Minnesota.

Speedy second baseman Joey Bonadonna (Illinois) will be making his first All-Star appearance in 2007. The Northwoods League veteran has been the Huskies offensive catalyst all season long by getting on base at a .386 clip in the first half and leading the league in stolen bases at the half way point with 29. Bonadonna is also tied for the team lead in RBIs and is the only Huskie to play in all 34 of the team’s games this season.

Left-handed starting pitcher Andy Marks (Kansas), who was a Post-Season All-Star with Duluth in 2006, will also be making his first appearance at the league’s “Mid-Summer Classic.” Marks was the Huskies Opening Day starter this season and has been a leader on the Huskies pitching staff ever since. Marks leads the team in innings pitched with 43.2 and is sporting a 2.47 ERA through his first seven starts. Marks has been counted on as being a big game pitcher in his entire career with the Huskies and will continue to be in the second half.

Right-handed starting pitcher Zachary Von Tersch (Georgia Tech) will also be making the trip to Mankato for his first Northwoods League All-Star experience. A towering presence on the mound, Von Tersch leads the Huskies in wins with four through the first half of the 2007 season. Von Tersch is also the team leader in strikeouts with 35 in 39.1 innings pitches and is sporting just a 1.83 ERA.

The 2007 Northwoods League All-Star Game will be broadcast live on ESPN360.com with the first pitch at 7:05 PM Central on Wednesday, July 11th. The game will be re-broadcast later that night at 12:30 AM on ESPNU with another replay scheduled for Friday, July 13th at 8:00 PM Central also on ESPNU.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Two Tough Innings Spell Huskies Doom

July 5, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies faced off against the Rochester Honkers in the last game of the first half on Thursday night at Wade Stadium in Duluth and two innings doomed the Huskies' chances at tying the St. Cloud River Bats for the best record in the first half as the Honkers defeated Duluth by the score of 7 to 4.

The Huskies were able to jump ahead in the bottom of the second inning as Logan Gelbrich led off the inning with a towering double to deep left field. Tony Plagman then advanced Gelbrich to third with a sacrifice bunt. Catcher Chris Schaeffer then walked and Jason Haniger followed that up with a sacrifice fly to left field that scored Gelbrich from third. That gave the Huskies their only lead of the game.

Then, the Honkers took advantage of two hits and two Huskies errors in the top of the fourth as they scored four runs off of Huskies starting pitcher Kris Webber. For the game Webber went six innings allowing those four runs, only two of them were earned, on four Honkers hits while walking four and striking out four.

The Huskies tied the game in the bottom of the sixth when, with one out, 2007 All-Star Joey Bonadonna walked and then stole second. Kansas University shortstop Robby Price then walked putting runners and first and second. Chris Dove the gounded out to the pitcher advancing Bonadonna to third and Price to second. Right fielder Nick Sullivan then singled down the left field line driving in both Bonadonna and Price tying the game at 2 to 2.

Rochester took the lead back right away in the top of the seventh inning off of Huskies reliever Tim Kelley. Kelley worked the final three innings of the ballgame allowing three runs, two of them earned, on three hits while walking four and striking out three.

That would be all that the Honkers would need as they iced away the final three innings to secure the 7 to 4 victory. Offensively for the Huskies catcher Chris Schaeffer paced the team by going 2 for 4 with one run scored.

The Huskies loss dropped Duluth to 20-14 on the first half, just one game behind the First Half Division Champion St. Cloud River Bats to finish the first half. The Huskies will now start the second half on Friday night in Rochester with both teams sporting identical 0-0 records. Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Honkers Knock Out Huskies

July 4, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies entered our nation's Independence Day trailing the division leading St. Cloud River Bats by just 0.5 game with only two games against the Rochester Honkers. In order to win the first half and claim the guaranteed playoff berth that comes with it, Duluth needed to sweep the visiting Honkers while the River Bats needed to lose their lone remaining game against the Alexandria Beetles.

Unfortunately for the Huskies the Honkers bats decided that the Huskies would need to wait for the second half to gain a berth in the 2007 Northwoods League Playoffs. Rochester knocked out 12 hits in the game, 10 of them off of Huskies starter Andy Marks (2-3). For the game Marks went 5 1/3 innings allowing seven runs while walking four and striking out three. Mike Nihsen then came in from the bullpen and threw 1 2/3 innings allowing one run on one hit while striking out one. Josh Syberg then came in and worked the final two innings of the game also allowing one run on one hit with one strike out.

The Huskies bats were hushed by the Honkers pitchers who allowed only four hits in the game. Justin Ellrich from Kansas University went 2 for 3 in the game with two doubles. Nick Sullivan and Jason Haniger also each added a double to the Huskies losing effort.

The Huskies loss dropped their record to 20-13 on the season and eliminated the team from first half playoff consideration. The same two teams will face off again on Thursday night for the last game of the first half. Thursday is also a Thirsty Thursday and a Sunsational Thursday as it's Start Your Engines Night! Fans will have the opportunity to win two round trip vouchers to Las Vegas plus two vouchers to Las Vegas Motor Speedway!

Remember that you can also follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies 2007 Northwoods League action!

Clubb and Huskies Keep Pace

July 3, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies played host to the Brainerd Blue Thunder in front of 1,099 Duluth faithful at Wade Stadium on Tuesday night and the Huskies made the fans leave the stands happy behind the superb pitching efforts of Tim Clubb (3-2) and a timely two-out rally.

Right handed pitcher Tim Clubb was the story of the game as he worked eight solid innings allowing only one run on three hits while walking four and striking out four. Brant Combs then worked a scoreless ninth for his third save of the season, even though he managed to make it interesting! Combs walked the bases loaded while striking out one but he got the job done when he got Blue Thunder leadoff batter Andy Dirks to pop up to third base.

All of the Huskies offense came in the bottom of the third inning when, with one out, third baseman Kevin Hansen laced a single through the left side of the infield. Robby Price then followed that up with a walk. After Joey Bonadonna popped up to the third baseman Ryan Jones also drew a walk loading the bases with Huskies. That brought up designated hitter Chase Austin who hit a single up the middle of the infield driving in Hansen from third. Chris House then drew another walk that forced in Price. University of Nebraska outfielder Nick Sullivan then singled to right field that drove in Austin and Jones and brought the Huskies a 4 to 1 lead. That proved to be all of the offense that the Huskies would need.

Also of note for the Huskies offensively was second baseman Joey Bonadonna stealing two more bases and increasing his team record for stolen bases in a season to 28.

The Huskies win pushed their record to 20-12 on the season and, as a result of the River Bats win in Battle Creek, still trail St. Cloud by 0.5 of a game. The Huskies will now play host to the Rochester Honkers for two games on Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Wade. Game time on Wednesday is 6:05 for the Four of July and back to 7:05 on Thursday. The Huskies have two games left in the first half while St. Cloud has just one. On Wednesday night the Huskies will send Andy Marks to the hill against the Honkers.

Remember that you can also follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies action and they look to chase down a First Half Title!

Gelbrich Moves Huskies Closer to First

July 3, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies traveled to Brainerd for the first game of a home and home series against the Brainerd Blue Thunder on Monday evening and they trailed the division leading St. Cloud River Bats by 1.5 games entering the day. By the end of the night Duluth would narrow that gap.

Huskies field manager sent newcomer Kyle Blair to the hill for his first start of the 2007 Northwoods League season, and Blair shut down the Blue Thunder bats despite being on a pitch count. Blair worked 4 shutout innings allowing only two hits while walking two and striking out three. Blair was then relived by Mike Nihsen (3-2) who picked up the win while working two innings and allowing three runs, two of them earned, on five hits with one walk and one strikeout. Adian Kummet from The College of St. Scholastica then trotted in from the Huskies bullpen and worked 1 2/3 of scoreless relief allowing only one hit while walking one and striking out two. University of Missouri reliever Brant Combs then worked a scoreless 1 1/3 innings allowing only one hit to earn his second save of the season.

The Huskies bats were led by catcher Logan Gelbrich who knocked a two-run double in the top of the sixth inning that gave the Huskies the 4 to 3 lead for good. For the game, Gelbrich went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Centerfielder Chris House, from Georgia Tech, also had a big night at the plate going 2 for 3 with two doubles. Elon University freshman Chase Austin also went 2 for 4 on the game with a RBI and a run scored.

The Huskies 4 to 3 win combined with St. Cloud's 7 to 5 loss in Battle Creek pushed the Huskies to within 0.5 game behind the River Bats for the First Half title and the automatic playoff berth that comes with it. The Huskies have three games remaining in the First Half, all at home, one against the Blue Thunder and then two against the Rochester Honkers. Game time Tuesday night is 7:05 and Wednesday its 6:05.

Tuesday night is also Vegas Night where fans can experience the thrills of Las Vegas at the ballpark, plus have the opportunity to win two round-trip plane vouchers to Las Vegas from Allegiant Air!

Remember that you can also follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. Make sure to keep track of all of the Huskies action and they look to chase down a First Half Title!

Border Cats Force Another Series Split

July 1, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and the Thunder Bay Border Cats played the second game of the two game series in Southern Ontario Sunday afternoon and the host Border Cats managed to edge the Huskies by the close score of 2 to 1.

The second straight one run game between the two North Division rivals brought about a different result than game one, which took place on Saturday night. Just one day earlier it was the Huskies who found themselves on top of a one run game when they defeated the Border Cats by the score of 4 to 3.

The loss by the Huskies on Sunday dropped their record to 18-12 on the season and as a result of the Mankato MoonDogs defeating the St. Cloud River Bats the Huskies will stay just 1.5 game behind the North Division leader.

The Huskies will now travel to Brainerd for the first of a two game home and home series against the Brainerd Blue Thunder. Game time on Monday night is 7:05PM. Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. You can keep track of all of the action and they look to chase down a First Half Title!

Huskies Drop Border Cats

July 1, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies traveled to the great white north of Canada for the first time of the 2007 to face off against the Thunder Bay Border Cats for two games on Saturday and Sunday.

The Huskies proved to be unwelcome guests on Saturday when they defeated the host Border Cats by the score of 4 to 3. The same two teams will face off again Sunday at 12:05 PM Central in Thunder Bay.

The Huskies win pushed their 2007 record to 18-11 on the season and they kept pace with the first place St. Cloud River Bats who won again on Saturday. The Huskies are still 1.5 games behind the River Bats with just five games left to play as the Huskies are looking to secure a play-off berth with the First Half Championship.

Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. You can keep track of all of the action and they look to chase down a First Half Title!

Mallards Fly Away With Split

June 29, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and the Madison Mallards faced off for the second game of the two game series on Friday night and Madison left the 1,255 Huskies fans who were in attendance leaving the stadium with a sour taste in their mouth following the 5 to 3 Huskies loss.

Andy Marks (2-2) got the start for the Huskies and threw well for six innings allowing three runs, only one earned, on four hits while striking out three and walking three. Marks was relieved by Josh Syberg in the seventh inning and allowed two runs, both earned, while walking one and striking out two. Tim Kelley then came in for the ninth inning and allowed only one hit without surrendering a run.

The Huskies were able to jump out to an early lead, their only lead of the game, in the bottom of the second inning when Huskies newcomer Chris Schaeffer drove in shortstop Chase Austin on a double to deep left field. Unfortunately, the Huskies wouldn't be able to cross home plate again until the bottom of the ninth inning and it proved to be too little, too late.

With the Huskies trailing 5 to 1 in the bottom of the ninth inning and with two quick outs Kevin Hansen singled to right field. Chris House then walked and Hansen moved to on to second. Ryan Jones then singled to right center field driving in Hansen while House advanced to third. Logan Gelbrich followed that up with a walk loading the bases. Austin the reached on an error on the Madison shortstop that allowed House to score bringing the score to 5 to 3 before Tony Plagman struck out to end the game.

The loss dropped the Huskies 2007 record to 17-11 on the season and the loss coupled with a win by St. Cloud over the Waterloo Bucks left the Huskies 1.5 games behind first place with just six games left in the first half.

The Huskies will now travel to Thunder Bay for two games in the great white north against the Border Cats on Saturday and Sunday. Game time on Saturday is 6:05 Central and 12:05 Central on Sunday. Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. You can keep track of all of the action and they look to chase down a First Half Title!

Big Inning Leads to Huskies Win

June 28, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies welcomed the Madison Mallards to Wade Stadium on Thursday night for the first and only time of the 2007 season and the Huskies were able to make the most of a five run sixth inning en route to their 17th win of the season as Duluth won by the score of 6 to 3.

The Huskies sent starting pitcher Tim Clubb (2-2) to the mound in search of his second win of the 2007 season. He did his part by going six solid innings allowing two runs, only one of them earned, on only six hits while walking three and striking out two while picking up the win. Also appearing on the mound for the Huskies was Mike Nihsen, who worked two innings allowing one run on two hits while striking out two and walking one, and Brant Combs, who worked a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season.

The Huskies took control of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning when they scored five times with two outs in the inning. The inning got started when Brayden Drake singled to right center field with one out. After David Olson popped out for the second out of the inning, Jason Haniger singled down the right field line advancing Drake to third. Nick Sullivan then pinch hit for Chris Dove and pulled a triple down the right field line driving in Haniger and Drake giving the Huskies the lead. Joey Bonadonna then doubled to left center driving in Sullivan. Kevin Hansen followed that up with a single up the middle scoring Bonadonna. The brought up Chris House who laid down a bunt up the first base line and reached on an errant throw by the catcher while Hansen advanced to second. Logan Gelbrich then drove a single through the left side of the infield driving in Hansen to wrap up the scoring for the Huskies.

The win pushed the Huskies record to 17-10 on the season and the win coupled with a loss by St. Cloud left the Huskies just 0.5 back of first place in the North Division's First Half standings with seven games left to play.

The Huskies and the Madison Mallards will face off again on Friday night in Duluth at Wade Stadium. Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. You can keep track of all of the action and they look to chase down a First Half Title!

MoonDogs Grab Series Split

June 28, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies faced off against the Mankato MoonDogs for the second game of a two game series in Mankato on Wednesday night trying to keep pace with the division leading St. Cloud River Bats. Unfortunately for Duluth, a win wasn't in the cards on this night.

The Huskies sent pitcher Schaeffer Hall to the mound in search of his second win of the season. Hall threw well for the Huskies allowing only two runs on six MoonDog hits while striking out six and walking only one over five innings of work. Hall was then replaced by Tommy Luce to start the sixth inning for Duluth. Luce, who was labeled with the loss, worked 1 1/3 innings allowing one run on two hits while striking out two. Josh Syberg and Mike Nesseth also worked in relief for the Huskies on this night.

At the plate, the Huskies were battling back from deficits but were never able to quite over take the MoonDogs. Catcher Logan Gelbrich went 2 for 3 with one RBI while shortstop Kevin Hansen added the other Huskies RBI for the night. Chris House, Tony Plagman, and Nick Sullivan scored the three Huskies runs. Sullivan also added his second stolen base of the season.

The loss dropped the Huskies to 16-10 on the season and they fell to 1.5 games back of division leading St. Cloud with just eight games remaining in the first half.

The Huskies will now face off against the Madison Mallards on Thursday and Friday in Duluth at Wade Stadium. Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. You can keep track of all of the action and they look to chase down a First Half Title!

Ellrich and Von Tersch Pace Duluth

June 27, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies set off on a short two-game road trip to Mankato on Tuesday following a well deserved day off on Monday. The Huskies looked like the rest did them well Tuesday evening in Mankato by busting out some lumber while starting pitcher Zach Von Tersch (4-1) lulled the MoonDogs bats to sleep.

Von Tersch, the big right handed pitcher from Georgia Tech, picked up the win by working eight shut-out innings while allowing only four MoonDog hits and walking only one while striking out seven. Von Tersch then gave way to reliever Mike Nihsen for the ninth inning with the Huskies holding on to a 5 to 0 lead. Nihsen allowed two runs, one of them earned, on two hits while striking out one en route to securing the Huskies victory.

The Huskies bats were led by Kansas University sophomore Justin Ellrich who went 3 for 3 with two home runs, good for three RBIs. Also pitching in to the Huskies 10 hit effort was right fielder Ryan Jones from Wichita State who went 2 for 3 with a solo home run of his own and two runs scored. Center fielder Chris House added a hit and a stolen base during the Huskies 5 to 2 victory.

The win pushed the Huskies record to 16-9 on the first half and the team kept pace with the division leading St. Cloud River Bats, who won again Tuesday night in Thunder Bay. The Huskies have just nine games remaining in first half play are are still just 0.5 game back of the River Bats.

The Huskies will face off against the MoonDogs again Wednesday night at 7:05 PM in Mankato before returning back to Duluth on Thursday for a pair of games against the Madison Mallards on Thursday and Friday. Remember that you can follow all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The Fan or through their LIVE WEBCAST through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. You can keep track of all of the action and they look to chase down a First Half Title!

Huskies Walk-Off in Wild Fashion

June 23, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies welcomed the Rochester Honkers into Wade Stadium for the first time in 2007 and in front of 2,290 raucous fans, the biggest crowd of the season, the home team pulled out a big victory.

The Huskies sent left handed starter Andy Marks to the mound looking to break the Huskies two game losing streak, he did more than his part to getting a Huskies win. For the game Marks went seven and 1/3 shut out innings allowing only five hits and striking out seven while walking only three. Mike Nihsen and Brant Combs then combined to get the Huskies out of an eighth inning jam by going 1/3 of an inning each.

The Huskies offense got the Huskies the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. Kevin Hansen got the inning started with a single to left center field. Two outs later Justin Ellrich busted out his big bat by driving an RBI double to deep left center field giving the Huskies the 1-0 lead.

Rochester then made the game even more interesting in the top of the ninth inning off of Huskies closer Tommy Luce. Luce started the inning by hitting Rochester's Jareck West on the first pitch. Aaron Senne then hit a single through the right side of the infield that advanced West to third. West then scored on an attempted double steal that resulted in an error by Huskies second baseman Joey Bonadonna that tied the game at 1-1. Huskies reliever Josh Syberg (3-0), who is making a pitch at a spot on the mid-season All-Star team, relieved Luce and saved the Huskies in the ninth by getting out of the jam without allowing a hit and striking out two.

The Huskies then entered the bottom of the ninth inning locked in a 1-1 tie. Shortstop Chase Austin led off the inning with a triple to deep center field. One out later Nick Sullivan stepped into the batter's box looking to deliver a Huskies win. Unfortunately for Sullivan Rochester's pitcher Ryan Kussmaul didn't give him the chance. Kaussmaul unloaded a wild pitch to the Wade Stadium backstop that allowed Austin to scamper home giving the Huskies the walk-off win.

The win pushed the Huskies record to 14-9 on the season and are still just 0.5 game out of first place as St. Cloud pulled out a victory tonight in Eau Claire.

The Huskies and Honkers will face off again Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM on Israel Baseball Day at the Wade. It's also a CUB Foods Family Fun Day! Make sure to come on out to the Wade to cheer the Huskies as they look to chase down a First Half Title! For ticket information call (218) 786-9909.

Huskies Comeback Too Little, Too Late

June 22, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and the La Crosse Loggers met for the second game of the schedule two game series at Wade Stadium on Friday evening and for the second night in a row La Crosse proved to be one run too much for the Huskies.

Tim Clubb (1-2) got the start for the Huskies in their home stadium and kept the Loggers off of the scoreboard through six innings until the top of the seventh. In the top of the seventh the Loggers strung together five straight hits including a big three run double off the bat of Dan Buchholz. That proved to be all the scoring that La Crosse would muster, but it would be just enough. For the game Clubb went seven innings allowing only three runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out three. Clubb was relieved by Brant Combs in the eighth inning and worked the final two innings without allowing a single runner to reach base and striking three to keep the Huskies in the game.

The Huskies bats finally woke up in the bottom of the eighth inning off of Loggers starter Justin Walker who came into the game sporting a 0.00 ERA. Logan Gelbrich got the Huskies bats started with one out in the inning when he singled up the middle. Jason Haniger followed that up with a double to left center that scored Gelbrich. Haniger then advanced to third on a wild pitch by Walker. Brayden Drake then knocked in Haniger with a double down the left field line bringing the score to 3 to 2, but that was as close as the Huskies would get.

The loss dropped the Huskies to 13-9 for the first half. The Huskies will host the Rochester Honkers on Saturday and Sunday. Game time on Saturday night is 7:05 PM and on Sunday it's 4:05 PM. Saturday night will be Charter Triple Play Night where the first 500 fans will receive a juggling set as they enter the stadium. The Huskies will be sending Andy Marks (2-1) to the hill for his fifth start of the season. Saturday will be Boy Scout Night when Boy Scouts from all over the area will be at the game and spend the night on the field.

The Huskies are still just 0.5 game out of first place as St. Cloud, Alexandria, and Rochester all lost keeping the top of the North Division Standings the same. Make sure to come on out to the Wade to cheer the Huskies as they look to chase down a First Half Title! For ticket information call (218) 786-9909.

Loggers Pull Out Pitchers Duel

June 21, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies welcomed the La Crosse Loggers into Duluth for the first time in 2007 the day after the Loggers put up 20 runs on 24 hits in Thunder Bay. Field Manager Adam Stahl tabbed Schaeffer Hall with the task of quieting the Loggers bats. Hall proved he was up to the task by working eight shut-out innings, but La Crosse's bats woke up in the ninth as the Huskies fell by the score of 2 to 1.

The Huskies jumped out to an early 1 to 0 lead in the first inning when lead off batter Joey Bonadonna worked a walk. Kevin Hansen then successfully sacrificed Bonadonna to second base. Bonadonna then stole third base and later scored on a Chris House single to right center field.

That 1 to 0 lead looked like it would be enough for Hall as he mowed down the La Crosse batters for eight spectacular innings and worked out of a few tight jams while protecting his early lead. For the game Hall worked eight shutout innings allowing only five hits without walking a single batter and striking out two. Hall then gave way to reliever Mike Nihsen who was brought in to close the game out. Unfortunately for Duluth, things did not work out that way. Loggers leadoff batter Spencer Lucian led off the innings with a single and was sacrificed to second base on a bunt by Justin Toole. The previous night's Northwoods League Player of the Night Eric Thames then launched a triple to deep straight away center field that scored Lucian to tie the game. Loggers right fielder Cole White then gave La Crosse the lead when he singled home Thames. Nihsen then settled down enough to get out of the inning but the Huskies bats were held scoreless in the bottom half of the ninth and the Huskies fell by the final of 2 to 1.

The loss dropped the Huskies to 13-8 for the first half. The same two teams will meet again Friday night at Wade Municipal Stadium in Duluth as the Huskies will be looking of the series split. Duluth will send Tim Clubb to the mound while La Crosse will be countering with left hander Justin Walker. Game time Friday night is 7:05 PM. The Huskies will then continue their home stand with games on Saturday and Sunday against the Rochester Honkers. Make sure to come on out to the Wade to cheer the Huskies as they look to chase down a First Half Title! For ticket information call (218) 786-9909.

Huskies Splinter Woodchucks

June 20, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Zach Von Tersch (3-1) climbed the hill in historic Wade Stadium on Wednesday night looking to keep the Huskies in the hunt for the first half title, he did not disappoint. The Georgia Tech right-hander kept the Wisconsin Woodchucks at bay for seven strong innings and the Huskies bats managed to score just enough to give the Huskies the series sweep and a 3 to 2 victory.

Von Tersch earned his third win of the season by working seven innings allowing only two runs on seven hits while striking out nine and walking only three. Von Tersch gave way to Tim Clubb to start the eighth inning and the Missouri State Bear held the Huskies 3 to 2 lead by working 1 2/3 innings without allowing a single Woodchuck hit and striking out four and walking only one before new Huskies closer Tommy Luce trotted in with 2 outs in the ninth inning and a runner on first base and promptly hit the first batter he faced. Luce then settled down enough to retire the Woodchucks next batter on a ground ball to third base to earn his second save of the season.

The Huskies hitters were led by right fielder Ryan Jones from Wichita State who went 2 for 4 with a RBI. Joey Bonadonna also added two hits to the Huskies winning cause and scored a run in the first inning. Chris Dove pinch hit for designated hitter Justin Ellrich in the sixth inning and stroked a double down the right field line and later scored the winning run. Catcher Logan Gelbrich also added a hit and a RBI.

The Huskies win coupled with the St. Cloud River Bats loss to the Rochester Honkers pushed the Huskies into first place in the North Division standings. The loss for the Woodchucks dropped their record to 9-11 on the season.

The 13-7 Duluth Huskies will now continue their longest home stand of the season as they play their next four straight games at the Wade. The Huskies will face the La Crosse Loggers on Thursday night at 7:05 at the Wade. Thursday night is another Sunsational Thursday when every Huskies fan in attendance will have the opportunity to win two round trip tickets to Las Vegas courtesy of Allegiant Air and Sunsational Travel! Make sure to come out and cheer on the Huskies as they chase down a First Half title.

Return to Wade Means Huskies Win

June 19, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

On the night when Joey Bonadonna made Duluth Huskies history when he stole his team record tying 18th and record breaking 19th stolen bases of the season the Huskies got back on the winning track with a 4 to 2 victory over the Wisconsin Woodchucks.

The Huskies bats gave starting pitcher Kris Webber a lead in the third inning when Chris Dove reached on a one out infield hit to the shortstop then proceeded to steal second before being singled in on a line drive up the middle by Bonadonna.

Wisconsin climbed back into the game with two runs in the top of the fifth inning off of Webber before he gave way to reliever Mike Nihsen. For the game Webber went 4 1/3 innings allowing two runs on only two hits while striking two and walking four. Nihsen then worked the next 3 2/3 innings of scoreless ball on only two hits while striking out two.

The Huskies bats regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth when Bonadonna drove in his second run of the game on a fielders choice scoring Logan Gelbrich from third. Bonadonna then stole his record breaking 19th base of the season and Jason Haniger scored when the Woodchucks catcher overthrew second base trying to catch the speedy Bonadonna. The Huskies then added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth when Chris House led of the inning with a triple and later scored on a bunt single by Chase Austin.

Tommy Luce then made his Wade Stadium debut in the ninth inning and finished off the game for his first save of the season while allowing two hits and striking out two.

The 12-7 Duluth Huskies will now continue their longest home stand of the season as they play their next five straight games at the Wade. The Huskies will face the Woodchucks again on Wednesday night at 7:05 at the Wade. Wednesday night is B-105 Buck Night and all Huskies fans will have the opportunity to enjoy the game while enjoying $1 hot dogs and $1 small sodas all night long! Make sure to come out and cheer on the Huskies as they chase down a First Half title.

Huskies Return Home Following Loss

June 19, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies arrived home to friendly confines of Wade Stadium in Duluth late last night following a tough series sweep at the hands of the St. Cloud River Bats. The Huskies will be looking to get back on track at home against the Wisconsin Woodchucks after dropping three of four on the road trip including last nights 9-5 loss to St. Cloud.

Last night in St. Cloud the Huskies pitching staff was roughed up by the suddenly hot River Bats who knocked out nine runs on 13 hits. The Huskies started left hander Josh Syberg on emergency duty as scheduled starter Tim Clubb was pulled from the start for precautionary reasons with a stiff back. Syberg went four innings allowing five runs, four of them earned, while walking one and striking out one. Syberg was then relieved by Mike Nesseth (0-1) who was saddled with the loss after giving up two runs on one hit without retiring a batter. Brant Combs from Missouri then came in and worked three innings of relief allowing two runs on four hits and striking out one before giving way to Tim Kelley for the final inning of the contest. Kelley worked one scoreless inning allowing only one hit.

At the plate the Huskies started out making a game of it with the River Bats going blow for blow for the first few innings. Right fielder Nick Sullivan had two hits in the game while short stop Chase Austin and third baseman Kevin Hansen each had a hit, a run scored, and a RBI. Tony Plagman and Logan Gelbrich each also added a hit and a run scored. Joey Bonadonna also added another stolen base, giving him 17 on the season, just one short of the team record of 18 set by Bryce Nimmo.

The loss dropped the Huskies 0.5 back of both Alexandria and St. Cloud who are now tied atop the North Division First Half Standings.

The 11-7 Duluth Huskies will now start their longest home stand of the season as they play their next six straight games at the Wade. First off for the Huskies is the Wisconsin Woodchucks for two games Tuesday and Wednesday night both games starting at 7:05 at the Wade. Tuesday is a Two-Fer-Tuesday where when purchasing a regular priced reserved or general admission ticket you receive a second one FREE! Make sure to come out and cheer on the Huskies as they chase down a First Half title.

St. Cloud Gives Duluth A Rude Welcome

June 17, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies arrived in St. Cloud on Sunday to start a two game set with the St. Cloud River Bats at Faber Field. The River Bats proved to be unfriendly hosts as they handed the Huskies their second straight loss while creating a tighter race on the top of the North Division.

Duluth field manager Adam Stahl sent Northwoods League veteran Andy Marks (2-1) to the mound in the opening game of the two game series. Marks threw well for the Huskies going seven innings allowing only one unearned run on six hits while walking only one and striking out four. Marks was relieved by Jim Klocke for Duluth and worked 1/3 of an inning allowing two runs on one hit while walking one. Klocke was then relieved by the newest Duluth Huskie Tommy Luce who worked the final 2/3 of an inning without allowing a run on two hits while walking one and striking out one.

The Huskies batters were baffled by the River Bats pitching on this night as starter Buddy Baumann and relievers Sean Wideberg and Ryan Wrobel combined on a shutout while allowing only two Huskies hits. Left fielder Chris House and first baseman Logan Gelbrich had the lone hits for the Huskies.

The 3-0 loss dropped the Huskies 2007 record to 11-6 on the season while the River Bats improved to 11-7.

The Huskies and River Bats will meet again on Monday night in St. Cloud before returning to Duluth on Tuesday June 19th to face the Wisconsin Woodchucks. You can catch all of the 2007 Duluth Huskies action on AM 560 The FAN or through their LIVE WEBCAST located on www.fan560.com.

Loggers Force Series Split

June 17, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies faced the La Crosse Loggers in the second game of a two game series in La Crosse on Saturday night in search of their sixth straight win. The Loggers, and especially Eric Thames had other things in mind.

Thames hit a third inning grand slam off of Huskies starter Mike Nihsen (1-1) that proved to be more than enough offense for the Loggers. Nihsen, making his second start of the 2007 season, worked five innings allowing four runs on five hits while striking out three and walking only one. Nihsen was replaced with reliever Tim Kelley who worked the final three innings allowing one Loggers run on three hits while striking out three.

At the plate the Huskies bats were baffled by the Loggers pitching for much of the night. Loggers starter Justin Walker struck out 10 Huskies batters in eight innings of work and Don Erdall worked the ninth striking out two more. Kevin Hansen from San Diego had the Huskies lone RBI on the evening and center fielder Chris Dove and Jim Klocke each scored a run in the losing effort.

The loss dropped the Huskies overall record to 11-5 on the season and ended a five game winning streak. The Loggers win pushed their record back to the .500 mark at 8-8 on the season.

The Huskies will now travel to St. Cloud for two games against the River Bats before returning to Duluth on Tuesday June 19th to face the Wisconsin Woodchucks. You can catch all of the 2007 Duluth Huskies action on AM 560 The FAN or through their LIVE WEBCAST located on www.fan560.com.

Huskies Cut Down Loggers

June 15, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies traveled to La Crosse, Wisconsin to start a four game road trip against the La Crosse Loggers and the St. Cloud River Bats. La Crosse entered the game with a 7-7 record while the Huskies arrived at Copeland Park with a 10-4 record and sitting a top of the North Division. Zach Von Tersch from Georgia Tech took the hill for Duluth looking to make sure that is where the Huskies stayed.

Von Tersch was just another in a line of what has proven to be extremely effective starting pitching for the Huskies. Von Tersch threw into the seventh inning against the Loggers allowing only two hits and zero runs before giving way to Brant Combs who finished off the shut-out for the Huskies.

Duluth's bats came out scorching against Loggers starter Sean O'Neill who allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings of work. That would prove to be all of the offense that the Huskies would need on this evening as they cruised to the 5-0 victory. On the bases, Joey Bonadonna stole his league leading 15th stolen base of the season.

The win pushed the Huskies record to 11-4 on the season and kept the team 1/2 game above the Alexandria Beetles who also won on this night in Waterloo. The Loggers loss dropped them to 7-8 on the season.

The Huskies will face the Loggers again on Saturday night in La Crosse before traveling to St. Cloud for two games then returning to Duluth on Tuesday June 19th to face the Wisconsin Woodchucks. You can catch all of the 2007 Duluth Huskies action on AM 560 The FAN or through their LIVE WEBCAST located on www.fan560.com.

Huskies Hold on For Sweep

June 14, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies took the field at historic Wade Stadium on Thursday evening just 1/2 of a game behind division leader St. Cloud for the first half North Division lead. Following the Huskies 3-1 victory and St. Cloud's 1-0 loss in Thunder Bay, the Huskies stood alone a top the North Division.

Kris Webber took the mound for the start against the Brainerd Blue Thunder for his third start of the 2007 season still in search of his first win of the season. Webber threw brilliantly again on this evening and had the Blue Thunder bats baffled for 8 1/3 innings allowing only 1 run on six hits while striking seven and not walking a single batter. After Blue Thunder third baseman Xavier Scruggs hit a solo homerun off of Webber in the top of the ninth inning to bring the Huskies lead down to 3-1 before field manager Adam Stahl made the Duluth Dodge Call to the Bullpen for Jim Klocke. Klocke worked the final 2/3 of the game allowing two singles and striking out one while picking up his second save of the season.

At the plate the Huskies were led by left fielder Christian Overstreet who went 2 for 3 with two runs scored and by shortstop Kevin Hansen who also went 2 for 3 with one RBI and a run scored. Right fielder Nick Sullivan from the University of Nebraska and center fielder Chris House each added a hit and an RBI to the Huskies winning cause.

The win pushed the Huskies 2007 record to 10-4 on the season while the loss for Brainerd was their 10th straight and dropped their record to 3-11 on the year.

The Huskies will now head out on a four game road trip to La Crosse and St. Cloud before returning to Duluth on Tuesday June 19th to face the Wisconsin Woodchucks. You can catch all of the 2007 Duluth Huskies action on AM 560 The FAN or through their LIVE WEBCAST located on www.fan560.com.

Huskies Clubb Blue Thunder

June 13, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Huskies field manager Adam Stahl gave Tim Clubb from Missouri State the start on Wednesday night at home against the Brainerd Blue Thunder in search of the team's third straight win. Clubb proved he was up to the task by throwing the team's first complete game of the season allowing two runs on three hits while striking out six and walking only one as the Huskies picked up the 7-2 victory in front of 1,009 Huskies faithful at "The Wade."

The Huskies bats came out scorching as well knocking out 15 hits for the game and 7 runs in the first five innings. Duluth was led by third baseman Kevin Hansen and catcher Logan Gelbrich who knocked out three hits each with Hansen contributing a run scored and Gelbrich picking up an RBI. Joey Bonadonna also had three hits, two runs scored and two RBIs plus his 14th stolen base of the season. First baseman Tony Plagman from Georgia Tech added the biggest fireworks of the night with a two-run homerun in the bottom of the 5th inning. For the night Plagman went 2 for 4 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

The big Huskies win propelled the Huskies record to 9-4 on the season the team kept pace with the St. Cloud River Bats, who won again tonight in Thunder Bay. The loss dropped the Blue Thunder to 3-10 on the season and was Brainerd's ninth loss in a row.

The Huskies and Blue Thunder meet again on Thursday night in Duluth for the second Sunsational Thursday of the 2007 season when one lucky fan will win two round trip tickets to Las Vegas courtesy of Allegiant Air and Sunsational Travel. Game time on Thursday night is 7:05 in Duluth when the Huskies send Kris Webber to the hill for his third start of the season still looking for his first win of the year while posting an impressive 1.98 ERA.

For more information or for tickets call (218) 786-9909.

Marks Leads Huskies to Series Sweep

June 13, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and the Rochester Honkers faced off for the second time in 2007 on Tuesday evening in Rochester with identical records of 7-4 on the 2007 season. Huskies Skipper Adam Stahl tabbed Andy Marks as the man who could lead the Huskies to the sweep on the road and past the newest North Division rival.

Marks did not disappoint as he worked seven brilliant innings of scoreless ball allowing only one hit while striking out six and walking only three which was good enough to earn his second win of the season as the Huskies proved victorious by the score of 3-1.

Josh Syberg made another appearance in relief for Duluth as he worked 1 1/3 innings only one hit and one run while walking two and striking out one. Designated hitter Jim Klocke then made his second appearance on the hill in relief of Syberg in the ninth and worked the final 2/3 of the game without allowing a run en route to securing his first save of the season.

At the plate the Huskies were paced by shortstop Chase Austin who went 2 for 3 with a run scored and by catcher Jason Haniger who added two hits, a run scored, and a RBI to the Huskies cause. The Huskies also proved solid defense for Marks as they completed the game without committing an error.

The win pushed the Huskies 2007 record to 8-4 on the season and are still just 1/2 game back of St. Cloud as the River Bats also won on Tuesday evening. The Honkers loss dropped them to 7-5 on the year.

The Huskies return to the friendly confines of Wade Stadium on Wednesday night at Kids 12 and under will "Eat Free." The Huskies will face the 3-9 Brainerd Blue Thunder. Game time on Wednesday and Thursday night is 7:05 in Duluth.

Huskies Try Out The Long Ball

June 12, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies made the trip down to Rochester on Monday preparing to face a Rochester Honkers team that had won its last five games, the Huskies were determined to bring them back down to Earth.

The Huskies sent Mike Nihsen to the bump making his first Northwoods League start of the year and he picked up right where he left off last season in Duluth working five scoreless innings allowing only four hits and striking out six while walking only one en route to picking up his first win of the season.

The Huskies bats gave Nihsen plenty of room to feel comfortable on the mound by scoring eight runs in the first five innings and then cruising on home for their seventh win on the season. The Huskies were led offensively by catcher Logan Gelbrich from San Diego who went 2 for 2 with two runs scored and four RBIs including his first home run on the season. Also joining in on the home run act was shortstop Chase Austin who hit a solo home run in the victory. Joe Bonadonna from Illinois also had a solid game with two hits and two runs scored plus two stolen bases to bring his total to 13 swipes on the season.

On the mound Nihsen was relieved by Tim Kelley in the sixth inning. Kelley, from Wichita State, worked two innings allowing the only Honkers run of the game on two hits while walking two. Brant Combs, from Missouri, worked the final two innings of the contest without allowing a single Honkers runner to reach base and striking out three.

The win pushed the Huskies 2007 record to 7-4 on the season and into a second place North Division tie with Rochester, just 1/2 game behind division leader St. Cloud.

The Huskies will take the field again on Tuesday in Rochester against the Rochester Honkers. Field Manager Adam Stahl will be sending Andy Marks to the hill for his third start of the 2007 season. Game time in Rochester for Tuesday night is 7:05 PM. You can catch all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The FAN on through a LIVE WEBCAST available through the listen live link on www.fan560.com.

St. Cloud Forces Series Split

June 9, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Entering play tonight the Duluth Huskies and St. Cloud River Bats found themselves in a first place tie along with the Alexandria Beetles and the Rochester Honkers. The proved they wanted to keep that position early in Saturday nights contest scoring five runs in the first four innings off of Huskies starter Zach Von Tersch (1-1).

For the game Von Tersch worked five innings allowing five River Bats run, four of them earned, on five hits walking two and striking out five. Von Tersch was relieved by Mike Nesseth who faced two batters allowing one hit and hitting the other before Josh Syberg arrived in the game and worked the final four innings allowing only one run on two hits and striking out five.

At the plate the Huskies were led by Joe Bonadonna who had two hits with one RBI and scored one run. Chris House also added two hits and Huskie newcomer Chris Dove had one hit and scored a run when he stole home in the first inning. On the game Dove and House both stole three bases and Joe Bonadonna had two swipes of his own, but for the most part the Huskies bats were stymied by River Bats starter Isaac Morales who fanned 10 batters while only walking two.

The Huskies offense was able to bring the game to 6-4 with one run in the bottom of the eighth inning, but it proved little to late has the River Bats closer Ryan Wrobel worked the final inning of the game striking out two as St. Cloud secured their seventh victory of the season. The loss dropped the Huskies to 6-4 on the season and put them one game back of St. Cloud, Alexandria, and Rochester.

The Huskies will take the field again on Monday in Rochester against the Rochester Honkers. Field Manager Adam Stahl will be sending Mike Nihsen to the hill in his 2007 Northwoods League debut against the Honkers. Game time in Rochester for Monday night is 7:05 PM. You can catch all of the Huskies action on AM 560 The FAN on through a LIVE WEBCAST available through the listen live link on www.fan560.com.

Extra Innings Means Huskies Win

June 8, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

On a day when twelve current and former Duluth Huskies were drafted the 2007 edition of the Huskies took the field against the St. Cloud River Bats trailing the Bats by just one game.

The Huskies sent Kris Webber to the mound for his second start of the season and he worked well, going 7 innings allowing seven hits and only two runs, one of the them earned without walking a single batter and striking out one. Webber left the game following the seventh inning with the Huskies trailing the River Bats by the score of 2-1. The Huskies then brought in Brant Combs from the University of Missouri to make his Huskies debut. Combs worked 1 1/3 innings allowing one one on one hit while walking only one. The Huskies took the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning with two runs to give them the 3-2 lead. The River Bats answered back quickly in the top of the ninth off of Combs before Adian Kummet arrived in relief to keep the game tied. Kummet ended up working 1 2/3 innings allowing one hit and striking out two.

Then in eleventh inning replacement right fielder Lars Davis reached on an error by the River Bats catcher and advanced to second on his errant throw. David Olson from the University of Minnesota-Duluth then sacrificed Davis to third and reached base on the fielders choice. The River Bats then intentionally walked Chase Austin to load the Huskies bases, bringing up everybody's favorite "'lil' friend" Joey Bonadonna who hit a fly ball to left field that was just deep enough to score Davis from third base giving the Huskies the 4-3 victory.

Picking up the win for the Huskies on the mound was Jim Klocke, who actually started the game in right field. Klocke worked a scoreless top of the 11th for the Huskies allowing only one hit and striking out two batters in his first pitching performance of the season. Klocke also went 2 for 4 at the plate with one RBI at the plate. The Huskies were also led offensively by first baseman Tony Plagman who had two hits and scored two runs. David Olson also added two hits to the Huskies winning cause.

The win propelled the Huskies into a first place tie with the River Bats, the Alexandria Beetles, and the Rochester Honkers. The Huskies and River Bats are back at the Wade again Saturday night at 7:05 PM.

Davis Heads Huskies Draft Class

June 8, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Lars Davis from the University of Illinois became the highest draft pick in Duluth Huskies when the Colorado Rockies took him in the 3rd Round (102 overall) of the 2007 Major League Baseball First Year Players Draft yesterday. Davis, who is playing his second season in Duluth, has had a dream year in 2007 that started with his fantastic spring season with the Fighting Illini. He batted .416 on the college season with 89 hits and led the team in RBIs with 56, runs scored with 53, home runs with 13, slugging percentage with .673, and on-base percentage with a .473 average. The 2007 Big Ten Player of the Year was also the conference leader in home runs, total bases and slugging percentage. Davis is expected to stay with the Huskies through the St. Cloud series which starts tonight.

Day Two of the draft is being held today and up to now 11 more former and current Duluth Huskies have heard their named called. Cody Cipriano (Huskies '05), Bill Rhinehart ('04), Steve Edlefsen ('06), Mike Mee ('03, '04), Antone DeJesus ('05), Daniel Cook ('06), Schaeffer Hall ('07), Charlie Shirek ('05, '06), Brock Bond ('06), Daniel Edwards ('06), and Kenny Williams Jr. ('05) were all drafted so far on Day Two of the Draft.

The Huskies take the field, complete with Lars Davis in uniform tonight as St. Cloud River Bats come to "The Wade" tonight and Saturday for a two game set. Tonight also marks Famous Dave's Pig Roast on the Kennel Klub Sports Deck as well as the appearance of nationally known mascot act Rally. Game time on both nights is 7:05 PM.

Huskies Hold On in Green Bay

June 8, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and Green Bay Bullfrogs had to wait 57 minutes as strong storms moved through the Green Bay, Wisconsin area but the Huskies bats seemed to wake up quickly when play started. Duluth took advantage of four Bullfrogs errors in the game and jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the fourth inning and Huskies starter Tim Clubb cruised through the first five innings.

Clubb then gave allowed two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Bullfrogs brought the game to 6-2. In the bottom the seventh things got a little too interesting for the Huskies comforts when Green Bay knocked out the starter Clubb with one out in the seventh and some untimely Huskies errors with both Clubb and relief pitcher Mike Nesseth in the game allowed the Bullfrogs to tie the game at 6-6 after the seventh inning. For the game Clubb went 6 1/3 innings allowing nine hits and six runs, three of them earned, while walking one and stiking out five. Nesseth relieved Clubb and worked 1/3 of an inning allowing one hit and zero runs. Josh Syberg made his first relief appearance of the season and worked the final 2 1/3 innings without allowing a single hit while walking one and striking out two to earn his second win of the season.

At the plate, the Huskies were led by 3rd Round Draft pick to the Colorado Rockies Lars Davis who had two hits and three RBIs. Chris House added two hits and two runs scored and second baseman Joe Bonadonna had one hit and a run scored and had two stolen bases to extend his league lead to nine stolen bases on the season. The Huskies offense managed to push in the winning run in the top of the eighth inning and Syberg held the Bullfrogs for the final two innings to secure the Huskies win.

The win pushed the Huskies record to 5-3 so far on the season just one game back of the St. Cloud River Bats who comes to "The Wade" tonight and Saturday for a two game set. Tonight also marks Famous Dave's Pig Roast on the Kennel Klub Sports Deck as well as the appearance of nationally known mascot act Rally. Game time on both nights is 7:05 PM.

Defensive Woes Doom Huskies

June 7, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies made their first ever trip to Green Bay and appeared to leave some of their defense back in Duluth. Things started out looking out alright for the Huskies when they jumped out to their seventh lead through the first seven games when they scored early in the top of the first inning. That 1-0 lead ended up being short lived as the Bullfrogs greeted Huskies starter Andy Marks with a two-run homerun by Sean Dovel in the bottom of the first inning.

The Bullfrogs got an unearned run in the bottom of the second inning off of Marks to stretch their lead to 3-1. In the top of the fourth inning the Huskies were able to bring the game to 3-2. Green Bay again stretched out their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning scoring one more run off of Marks. The Huskies brought in University of Minnesota-Duluth pitcher John Vaudreuil who worked 2/3 of an inning walking one and striking out one while allowing one earned run and was tagged with the loss. Vaudreuil was then replaced with another University of Minnesota-Duluth pitcher when Kyle Zweber trotted in from the bullpen. Zweber then worked the final 2 1/3 innings allowing six Bullfrogs hits and one earned run while striking one one. The Huskies were really hurt by three errors early in the game that put the team behind the eight ball almost right from the start.

At the plate, the Huskies were lead by the 2007 Big Ten Player of the Year Lars Davis who went 3 for 4 with two RBIs and by recently named Freshman All-American Jim Klocke who went 1 for 3 with two RBIs. Chris House from Georgia Tech added two hits and scored two runs and Justin Ellrich went 1 for 1 in a pinch hitting appearance.

The Huskies will be playing in Green Bay again tonight at 7:05 PM and are scheduled to take a tour of Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. You can catch all of the Huskies 2007 action live on AM 560 The FAN or through the Listen Live link on www.fan560.com. The Huskies will be back at "The Wade" on Friday June 8th against the St. Cloud River Bats when the nationally known mascot act Rally! comes to town. For more information call (218) 786-9909.

Klocke Named Freshman All-American

June 6, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies announced that Jim Klocke, who is playing his first season in Duluth, has been named a 2007 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American following his season at Southeast Missouri State.

The St. Louis, MO native started all but two games behind the plate for the Southeast RedHawks in 2007. The 2007 Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year started at designated hitter in the two games he did not start as catcher. During his college season Klocke batted .324 with 10 doubles, four homeruns and 38 RBIs. He led the RedHawks in both on-base percentage, with a .443 average, and in walks, with 34. Klocke was also honored as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference All-Freshman team and the Ohio Valley Conference All-Tournament Team.

So far in 2007 with the Huskies Klocke has shown he belongs in the Northwoods League by playing in each of the Huskies first five games and is batting .263 in those five games. Klocke has also added one double and three RBIs through the first five contests of the 2007 season.

The 2007 Duluth Huskies have started the 2007 going 4-2 through the first six games of the year. They play their home games in historic Wade Municipal Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota. The Huskies will return to Duluth on Friday June 8th facing the St. Cloud River Bats. The 2007 Season marks the fifth season of Northwoods League Baseball in Duluth.

Huskies Sweep Twin Bill

June 5, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies defeated the Mankato MoonDogs in a pair of games played at Wade Stadium in Duluth on Tuesday evening. The Huskies took the first game by the score of 2-1 and then took the second by the score of 5-4.

In game one, the Huskies sent Georgia Institute of Technology freshman Zach Von Tersch to the mound for his first start of the 2007 and he threw very well going five innings allowing only one earned run and striking out two MoonDogs batters. Also from the Georgia Institute of Technology, first baseman Tony Plagman made his Duluth Huskies debut in the game and added a RBI. Joey Bonadonna from the University of Illinois went 2 for 3 in the game with a run scored and designated hitter Jim Klocke also went 2 for 3 with a RBI. Mike Nesseth earned his first save of the year going the final 1 2/3 innings allowing only one hit and struck out one.

The same two teams faced off again with the first pitch coming at 7:19 PM from Huskies first time starter Josh Syberg. Syberg also had a solid debut going 5 2/3 innings allowing only four hits and three earned runs while striking out three. Kyle Zweber from the University of Minnesota-Duluth relieved Syberg in the sixth inning and got a big strikeout to end the MoonDogs rally. Adian Kummet from The College of St. Scholastica worked the final inning allowing one hit and struck out one while earning his team leading second save of season.

Leading the Huskies offense was designated hitter Jason Haniger who went 2 for 2 with a run scored and a RBI. Tony Plagman also added a hit and a RBI and Joey Bonadonna had a hit, a run scored, and a RBI.

The wins pushed the Huskies record to 4-2 on the season while the MoonDogs fell to 2-4. The Huskies will make their first ever trip to Green Bay tomorrow to face the expansion Green Bay Bullfrogs at 7:05 PM on Wednesday and Thursday nights. You can follow all of the live Huskies play-by-play on AM 560 The FAN or through their LIVE WEBCAST available on www.fan560.com.

The Huskies will be back in Duluth in Friday June 8th to face the St. Cloud River Bats for a two game series. Friday night will feature National Mascot Act Rally entertaining the crowd at the Wade. For more information call (218) 786-9909.

Huskies Take Game One

June 5, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies defeated the Mankato MoonDogs by the score of 2-1 in the first game of a doubleheader being played at Wade Stadium in Duluth, MN. The win put the Huskies just 1 game back of division leader Alexandria and raised their record on the season to 3-2. The loss for Mankato dropped their record to 2-3.

The Huskies sent Georgia Institute of Technology freshman Zach Von Tersch to the mound for his first start of the 2007 and he threw very well. Also from the Georgia Institute of Technology, first baseman Tony Plagman made his Duluth Huskies debut in the game.

The same two teams will face off again in the second game of the doubleheader tonight at The Wade. The Huskies will be sending Josh Syberg to the hill in the second game against Josh Castanza for Mankato.

Tonight is also Hunger Awareness Night, fans who bring two canned goods items to the game will receive a free General Admission ticket.

MoonDogs and Huskies Rained Out

June 4, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies and Mankato MoonDogs game for Monday night at Wade Stadium in Duluth was rained out. The field at Wade Stadium was hit hard by two solid rain storms and standing water throughout the infield forced the game to be cancelled.

The same two teams will meet tomorrow for a doubleheader starting at 5:05 PM. The Huskies will be sending Georgia Institute of Technology freshman Zach Von Tersch to the hill in the first game against Luke Vine for Mankato.

Make sure to come out for what should be a sunny day at the Wade for two games for the price of one starting at 5:05 PM. Tuesday will also be Hunger Awareness Night, fans who bring two canned goods items to the game will receive a free General Admission ticket.

Hall Leads Huskies Back on Winning Track

June 2, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Schaeffer Hall took the mound for the first time in a Duluth Huskies uniform on Saturday night at the Wade and quickly proved why he was recently named a Second Team Junior College All-American. Hall pitched eight solid innings against the previously undefeated Alexandria Beetles allowing only two runs on five hits while striking out 11 and only walking one. Hall's effort garnered him Northwoods League Player of the Night honors for Saturday June 2nd.

The Huskies gave Hall a lead quickly in the first inning when Jim Klocke hit a solid two run single. That gave the Huskies a lead that they would never relinquish. Starting second baseman Joey Bonadonna also had a big night at the plate going 2 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI. Robby Price and newcomer Chase Austin also added to the Huskies cause as each went 1 for 3 with a run scored.

Adian Kummet from The College of St. Scholastica made his 2007 debut in the ninth inning with the Huskies leading 3-2. Kummet came in and made quick work of the Beetles batters dropping them 1,2,3 including two strikeouts to earn his first save of the year.

The same two teams will be back at Wade Stadium again on Sunday at 4:05 PM for Hardee's Magnet Schedule Day. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a Duluth Huskies Magnet Schedule courtesy of Hardee's.

St. Cloud Knocks Duluth Back to Earth

June 2, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies made the day trip down to St. Cloud to face the St. Cloud River Bats in their first road game of the 2007 Northwoods League season on Friday evening and entered the game riding high off of a 10-2 thumping of the River Bats on Thursday. The River Bats quickly brought the Huskies back down to earth by returning the favor with a 12-6 drubbing of the Huskies.

Duluth started off on the right foot by knocking in two quick runs in the top of the first innings but quickly lost the lead when St. Cloud put up three in the bottom of the first off of Huskies starter Tim Clubb. Clubb was able to settle down a little and held the River Bats scoreless for the second and third innings and the Huskies were able to scratch out a run in the top of the second to tie the game 3-3. Duluth took the lead again in the top of the fourth by putting up two more runs and taking a 5-3 lead. Then, the wheels fell off. The River Bats scored four times in the bottom of the fourth and took the lead for good. University of Nebraska pitcher Mike Nesseth relieved Clubb in the sixth inning and worked two innings allowing three more hits and two runs while striking out three River Bats batters. University of Minnesota-Duluth pitcher Kyle Zweber then came in and worked the eighth inning allowing three more runs, two of them earned.

Leading the Huskies at the plate was Kansas University outfielder John Allman who went 2 for 4 with a run scored and two RBIs. Robby Price, also from Kansas University also went 2 for 3 and scored three runs. Jim Klocke, Justin Ellrich, and Jason Haniger each also added two hits each with Klocke and Haniger each adding an RBI. Overall, the Huskies were able to pound out 12 hits in the losing effort.

The Huskies are back at home on Saturday night to face the undefeated Alexandria Beetles on FAN-ny Cushion Night presented by AM560 The Fan. Game time Saturday night is 7:05PM.

The Huskies also received some good news on Friday as pitcher Schaeffer Hall from Jefferson College was named a Second Team Junior College All-American. Make sure to come out to the Wade this weekend to check out all of the exciting Duluth Huskies action!

Opening Night A Success

June 1, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies started the 2007 Northwoods League season on the right foot Thursday night at Wade Stadium in Duluth, MN. The Huskies started the first inning with starting pitcher Andy Marks (1-0) from Kansas University mowing down the St. Cloud River Bats hitters 1, 2, 3 before the Huskies hitters staked him to a 4-0 lead after their first time at the plate. The biggest hit of the first inning came off of the bat of the 2007 Big Ten Player of the Year Lars Davis from the University of Illinois when he stroked a two-run single to start the scoring for Duluth.

On the hill Marks made his return to Duluth a memorable one as he worked six solid innings allowing six hits and only two runs while striking out four St. Cloud hitters and walking only two. In the seventh inning, Tim Kelley from Wichita State University made his Duluth Huskies debut in relief of Marks and worked the final three innings without allowing a single run and allowing only two hits plus striking out three and walking only one. The effort was good enough to earn Kelley his first save of the season.

Leading the Huskies at the plate was Davis who went 2 for 5 with two runs scored and three RBIs. Newcomer Christian Overstreet also had a big day going 2 for 3 with a run scored and two RBIs while Joey Bonadonna and Jim Klocke both also added a pair of hits each. Robby Price from Kansas University also went 1 for 4 with a run scored and two RBIs.

On Friday June 1st the Huskies and River Bats will travel down to St. Cloud to finish their season opening home and home series at Joe Faber Field at 7:05 PM. You can listen to all of the action live on AM560 The FAN in the Duluth area and on the web through their website.

The Huskies will return home again on Saturday June 2nd to face the Alexandria Beetles on FAN-ny Cushion Night at the Wade. The first 750 fans in attendance will receive a seat cushion from The FAN 560. The Huskies home again on Sunday June 3rd for the second game against the Beetles on Magnet Schedule Night presented by Hardee's when the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a 2007 Duluth Huskies Magnet Schedule. For ticket information please call (218) 786-9909.

Huskies Earning High Accolades

May 24, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced that catcher Lars Davis has been named the Big Ten Player of the Year for 2007. He became the seventh player from the University of Illinois to receive the honor in the last 20 years. Davis was also selected as first team All-Big Ten. Another Huskies catcher, Jim Klocke, was also named Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the year and both he and fellow Southeast Missouri State Redhawk, Josh Syberg, were named to the All-Freshman team.

Davis’s honor doesn’t come as a huge surprise to those who have followed his tremendous 2007 season. The junior from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada batted .416 on the season with 89 hits and led the Fighting Illini in RBIs with 56, runs scored with 53, home runs with 13, slugging percentage with .673, and on-base percentage with a .473 average. Davis also finished the 2007 regular season as the Big Ten leader in home runs, total bases and slugging percentage. Davis also was strong defensively throwing out a Big Ten leading 23 base runners attempting to steal.

Davis could add more awards to his trophy case soon as he was recently named a semifinalist for the Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award, given to the nation’s best catcher, and is on the watch list for both the Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Award and USA Baseball’s Golden Spikes Award.

Klocke, a recent Duluth Huskies signee, had a solid freshman campaign at Southeast Missouri State. He batted .314 with 53 hits, 36 RBIs, 10 doubles and three home runs. The St. Louis, MO native also showed a good eye at the plate by leading the Redhawks in walks with 33. Klocke will be making his Northwoods League debut this season for the Huskies.

Josh Syberg received All-Freshman team honors by going 4-3 in 14 starts for the Redhawks. He also posted a 4.44 ERA and led the team in strike outs with 66 in 73 innings of work. Syberg is expected to adjust well to the wooden bats of the Northwoods League and having Klocke along with him on the squad should shorten any adjustment period.

The 2007 Duluth Huskies open their season on Thursday, May 31st against the St. Cloud River Bats at historic Wade Municipal Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota. The 2007 Season will mark the fifth season of Northwoods League Baseball in Duluth.

2007 Poster Contest Winners Announced

May 18, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced the winners of the Second Annual Poster Contest with area Middle School Students.

The 2007 Duluth Huskies Poster Contest was kicked off on April 4th when members of the Huskies Front Office visited three Woodland Middle School classes to explain the contest and the 2007 theme: Chasing The Dream. All area Middle School art classes were invited to participate in the contest with the top five posters from each school being submitted to the Duluth Huskies for the final judging.

The submitted posters were judged by members of the Duluth Huskies Front Office Staff, local business dignitaries as well as by local professional artists. After careful consideration by all parties involved, Woodland Middle School’s Kai Sandal’s submission was selected as the winning poster. Kai’s depiction of the theme as well as his professional product made his poster the choice to grace the cover of the 2007 Duluth Huskies Souvenir Yearbook.

The second place poster was submitted by Karly Ankarlo from Woodland Middle School and third place went to Jake North, also from Woodland Middle School.

Every student who submitted a poster from Woodland, Ordean, and Lincoln Park Middle Schools will receive a ticket to the Monday, June 4th Huskies game against the Mankato MoonDogs. On that night, Kai Sandal will be honored for his work and will have the opportunity to throw out the games first pitch.

The Huskies are proud to take part in such educational and community events that allow the students to learn about applying the skills they are learning to real life situations.

The 2007 Duluth Huskies open their season on Thursday, May 31st against the St. Cloud River Bats at historic Wade Municipal Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota. The 2007 Season will mark the fifth season of Northwoods League Baseball in Duluth.

Former Huskie Excelling in AA

May 11, 2007
By Peter Zellen, MLB.com

A change of scenery is all Frisco's Doug Mathis needed to be successful.
Beginning the year in Triple-A Oklahoma, the 23-year-old right-hander struggled from the outset, going 0-3 with a 10.66 ERA in three games -- two starts -- for the RedHawks.

But Mathis has settled in since joining the Double-A RoughRiders a few weeks ago. He limited the visiting Hooks to just one hit -- Francisco Caraballo's single with one out in the fifth -- over seven scoreless innings as Frisco edged Corpus Christi, 2-1, on Wednesday.

"I felt overwhelmed at first," Mathis (3-1) said of his time in Triple-A. "Especially after I was told all of Spring Training that I would pitch in Frisco."

The 13th-round pick by Texas in the 2005 draft out of Missouri had impressed the Rangers so much during the spring that they changed his ticket to Triple-A in the final days of camp.

``I was trying to do too much (in Oklahoma)," said Mathis, who walked four and struck out four against Corpus Christi. "But I'm more comfortable here. I know a lot of the guys here. They were teammates of mine last year and a lot of them are around the same age."

That comfort level shows. Mathis has a 1.40 ERA in four starts, allowing 19 hits and 10 walks allowed over 25 2/3 innings with 16 strikeouts.

Mathis matched Hooks starter Felipe Paulino Del Guidice, who allowed three hits without any walks and striking out two, over four innings. But Mathis pulled ahead when the RoughRiders got to Corpus Christi's bullpen.

Joshua Muecke (0-1) relieved Paulino Del Guidice and walked the bases loaded in the seventh. Ryan Thompson came in and Jake Blalock promptly cranked an RBI single.

Anthony Webster then homered off Thompson leading off the eighth for a 2-0 lead.

Brandon Puffer pitched a scoreless eighth in relief of Mathis, and Jesse Ingram, who surrendered a solo homer to Todd Self but closed out the game for his eighth save.

Peter Zellen is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Huskies Add Another Arm to the Kennel

May 9, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Josh Syberg from the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks.

The freshman pitcher arrived on the Southeast Missouri State campus this past fall as a highly recruited pitcher from St. Louis, Missouri. The 2006 graduate of St. John Vianney High School in Kirkwood, Missouri was First Team All-State, First Team All-Metro, and First Team All-Conference during his senior campaign in high school.

So far in 2007 with the Redhawks, the true freshman has been an integral member of the starting rotation. Syberg is tied for the team lead in games started as a pitcher with 11 and is carrying a 4-1 record. Syberg has also posted a 3.69 ERA and has struck out a team high 60 batters through 61 innings of work.

This summer will mark Syberg’s Northwoods League debut and the Huskies will be counting on the 5-foot-11, 160 pound pitcher to be a key contributor in the starting rotation.

The 2007 Duluth Huskies open their season on Thursday, May 31st against the St. Cloud River Bats at historic Wade Municipal Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota. The 2007 Season will mark the fifth season of Northwoods League Baseball in Duluth.

Huskies Catcher Nationally Recognized

May 3, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced that catcher Lars Davis has been named to the midseason watch list for the Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Award and the Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award, Lars Davis of the Duluth Huskies which is presented each year to the top catcher in the nation. Davis has also been named as one of the 50 semifinalists for the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award, which is presented to the nation’s premier amateur baseball player.

So far in 2007, Davis has been a leader for the University of Illinois both behind the plate and with the bat. He currently leads the Fighting Illini with a .435 batting average, 38 runs scored, 73 hits, nine homeruns, 42 RBIs, and a .661 slugging percentage. Davis is also second on the team in on base percentage, reaching base .479 percent of the time. Davis has also thrown out 18-of-64 (.281) percent of runners attempting to steal.

Davis has started in each of the Illini’s 41 games so far this season, 38 as catcher and three as designated hitter. He was also named Big Ten Player of the Week on March 27 after batting at a .857 average in three games with three homeruns, a double, five RBIs and five runs scored. Davis has also shown a little speed on the bases by stealing 7-of-9 bases on the season.

In 2006 with the Duluth Huskies, Davis played in 38 games and recorded 21 hits, including two doubles, one triple, and one homerun. He has also signed to return to the Huskies Kennel again in 2007.

The Wallace Award will narrow its list to 30 semifinalists toward the end of May and will name three finalists after the NCAA Super Regional round and will name a winner on June 3 on the campus of Texas Tech University.

The Bench Award will announce 10 semifinalists on May 17, with the finalists selected on May 30 prior to the NCAA Regional’s and the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. The award will be presented on June 27 at the 10th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet.

The Golden Spikes Award will be presented on June 29 during the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Show presented by Major League Baseball.

The 2007 Duluth Huskies open their season on Thursday, May 31st against the St. Cloud River Bats at historic Wade Municipal Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota. The 2007 Season will mark the fifth season of Northwoods League Baseball in Duluth.

Two Mules To Kick It In Duluth

April 23, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced the signing of two pitchers from the winningest NCAA Baseball Program in the millennium, the Central Missouri State University Mules. The Mules are currently ranked fifth in the NCAA Division II Poll and have had 13 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division II Post Season. Central Missouri State University has also won two NCAA Division II National Championships, in 1994 and 2003. 2007 will mark the first time any members of Central Missouri State will play for the Duluth Huskies.

Junior right-handed pitcher Kris Webber will be making his Huskies debut in 2007. The Vancouver, British Columbia native has been strong on the hill so far this spring for the Mules, posting an impressive 1.84 ERA while appearing in 10 games. Webber also has a 7-1 record so far this spring for the Mules. Webber threw two seasons at Bossier Parish in Louisiana before joining Central Missouri State this season. The 6 foot 3, 195 pound pitcher is majoring in sociology at Central Missouri State.

Joining Webber in Duluth will be the 2006 MIAA Freshman of the Year Brandon Morris. The 6 foot 4, 195 pound sophomore right-handed pitcher from Grain Valley, Missouri was also voted Second Team All-MIAA and First Team All-Region during his freshman campaign. So far this spring, Morris is 4-0 with a 3.52 ERA while starting five games for the Mules. Morris also has recorded 20 strikeouts in 23 innings of work so far in the 2007 season.

The Huskies will be counting on both Webber and Morris to be stable arms in their rotation and both will see plenty of innings on the hill in Wade Stadium. The 2007 Duluth Huskies open their season on Thursday, May 31st against the St. Cloud River Bats at historic Wade Municipal Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota. The 2007 Season will mark the fifth season of Northwoods League Baseball in Duluth.

Huskies Add Four From Ramblin' Wreck

April 10, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies announced today the signing of four players from Georgia Tech University. Sophomores Chris House and Jason Haniger will each be returning to Duluth for their second seasons while Freshmen Tony Plagman and Andrew Robinson will both be making their Northwoods League debuts this summer.

Chris House Fleet-footed outfielder Chris House will be back patrolling the vast outfield in Wade Stadium this summer. Last season the 6-1 192 pound Dunwoody, Georgia native appeared in 40 games with the Huskies and batted .250 with Duluth while also providing some fantastic defense in the outfield. This summer, House, a Dean’s List student, will be looked at as a leader both in the clubhouse and on the field with the Huskies.
Jason Haniger
Catcher Jason Haniger will also be making an encore appearance at Wade Stadium in 2007. Haniger appeared in 13 games for the Huskies in 2006, but will be expected to make a larger contribution this season. The Santa Clara, California native was a 2006 ACC Honor Roll recipient and was on the Dean’s List. Haniger is a management major at Georgia Tech.

Tony Plagman Alpharetta, Georgia native Tony Plagman will be a fresh face that Huskies fans will grow to love in 2007. So far this spring at Georgia Tech, the 6-2, 211 pound left handed batter is hitting .312 in 31 games with the Yellow Jackets and has a .459 on-base percentage. The management major will see plenty of time at first base for the Huskies in 2007.

Rounding out the Georgia Tech contingent is right Andrew Robinson handed pitcher Andrew Robinson. The 6-1, 190 pound Senoia, Georgia native arrived at Georgia Tech right out of high school and has already made five appearances. During his senior year of high school Robinson was the All-County Pitcher of the Year and also received All-Area, All-County, and All-State honors in 2006. Robinson will get a taste of Northwoods League action this summer in Duluth when he takes the hill for the Huskies.

The 2007 Duluth Huskies open their season on Thursday, May 31st against the St. Cloud River Bats at historic Wade Municipal Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota. The 2007 Season will mark the fifth season of Northwoods League Baseball in Duluth.

Bisenius Makes MLB Debut

April 5, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Former Duluth Huskies right-handed pitcher Joe Bisenius made his Major League Debut on Thursday, April 5th for the Philadelphia Phillies. Bisenius relieved Phillies starter Adam Eaton with two outs in the fifth inning and threw 1 1/3 innings without allowing a run while giving up only 2 hits and walking one while striking out two Atlanta Braves batters. Bisenius is the first Huskies player to make it to the Major League’s.

The Sioux City, Iowa native went 3-1 with a 3.60 ERA in seven starts for the 2003 Huskies in their inaugural season. He was also a 2003 North Division All Star. He played his college ball at Iowa Western CC, Oklahoma State, and finally Oklahoma City College before being drafted by the Phillies in the 12th round in 2004 and began working his way up the system. Last year he split time between Class A and AA in the Phillies organization striking out 95 batters while pitching 84 total innings in relief; the 6’4” righty was 8-3 with a 2.25 ERA.

This spring, Bisenius was a non-roster invitee to Spring Training camp and the hard-throwing right-hander earned a Major League roster spot by going 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings of work, allowing six hits and six walks while striking out 11.

Bisenius is one of 18 NWL alums to make an MLB opening day roster in 2007: Jeremy Accardo and Casey Janssen, Blue Jays; Juan Pierre and Andre Ethier, Dodgers; Jeff Weaver and George Sherrill, Mariners; Robb Quinlan, Angels; Bobby Kielty, Athletics; Ben Zobrist, Devil Rays; Mike Rouse, Indians; Josh Willingham, Marlins; Jay Gibbons, Orioles; Paul McAnulty, Padres; Tom Gorzelanny, Pirates; Curtis Granderson, Tigers; and Pat Neshek, Twins.

The Duluth Huskies open their 2007 campaign with a North Division match-up on May 31st against the St. Cloud Riverbats at 7:35pm in historic Wade Municipal Stadium. Call 218-786-9909 for more information.

Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies

First Former Huskie In The Show

April 2, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced that former Huskies' Pitcher Joe Bisenius has made the Major League roster for the Philadelphia Phillies. Bisenius is the first Huskies player to make it to the Major League’s.

The Sioux City, Iowa native went 3-1 with a 3.60 ERA in seven starts for the 2003 Huskies in their inaugural season. He was also a 2003 North Division All Star. He played his college ball at Iowa Western CC, Oklahoma State, and finally Oklahoma City College before being drafted by the Phillies in the 12th round in 2004 and began working his way up the system. Last year he split time between Class A and AA in the Phillies organization striking out 95 batters while pitching 84 total innings in relief; the 6’4” righty was 8-3 with a 2.25 ERA.

As of last Friday, Bisenius had tossed his latest scoreless frame of the spring, and he was projected to be sent to Triple-A Ottawa of the International League. Last year, Bisenius started at Class A Clearwater, and ended the season at Double-A Reading.

This spring, Bisenius was a non-roster invitee to Spring Training camp and the hard-throwing right-hander earned a Major League roster spot by going 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings of work, allowing six hits and six walks while striking out 11.

Bisenius is one of 18 NWL alums to make an MLB opening day roster in 2007: Jeremy Accardo and Casey Janssen, Blue Jays; Juan Pierre and Andre Ethier, Dodgers; Jeff Weaver and George Sherrill, Mariners; Robb Quinlan, Angels; Bobby Kielty, Athletics; Ben Zobrist, Devil Rays; Mike Rouse, Indians; Josh Willingham, Marlins; Jay Gibbons, Orioles; Paul McAnulty, Padres; Tom Gorzelanny, Pirates; Curtis Granderson, Tigers; and Pat Neshek, Twins.

The Duluth Huskies open their 2007 campaign with a North Division match-up on May 31st against the St. Cloud Riverbats at 7:35pm in historic Wade Municipal Stadium. Call 218-786-9909 for more information.

Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies

Kansas Duo Headed To Duluth

March 29, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced the signing of two Kansas Jayhawks for the upcoming 2007 Northwoods League Season. Left-handed pitcher Andy Marks will be marking his second season in Duluth while infielder Justin Ellrich will be making his debut in a Huskies uniform in 2007.

Sophomore starting pitcher Andy Marks returns to Duluth in 2007 after a successful campaign with the Huskies in 2006. Last season Marks tied for the team lead in wins with nine and had an impressive 2.05 ERA in 12 games in Duluth. This season with the Jayhawks, Marks has been counted on as an anchor in their starting rotation and has already appeared in the 7 of the Jayhawks first 30 games. The 6’2” 195 pound, St. Louis, MO native will be a steadying presence on the hill this summer and his previous experience in the Northwoods League will make him a go to guy for the Huskies in 2007.

Manchester, MO native Justin Ellrich will be making his Northwoods League debut this summer for the Huskies. Ellrich; however, is no stranger to summer collegiate baseball as 2007 will mark his third season playing in a summer collegiate baseball league. Ellrich also will see a familiar face in Huskies field manager Adam Stahl who actually coached Ellrich in High School. So far in 2007 with the Jayhawks, the Redshirt Sophomore has appeared in 23 games and is currently fourth on the team in doubles with six. Ellrich will be counted on in Duluth as a solid left-handed bat and will see time in the infield with the Huskies.

The 2007 Duluth Huskies open their season on Thursday, May 31st against the St. Cloud River Bats at historic Wade Municipal Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota. The 2007 Season will mark the fifth season of Northwoods League Baseball in Duluth.

For These Three Bears, Duluth is Just Right

March 5, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced the signing of two players from Missouri State University. Infielder Brayden Drake, pitcher Tim Clubb, and outfielder Christian Overstreet will all don the Huskies ‘D’ in 2007.

Sophomore Brayden Drake entered Missouri State as a true freshman and immediately made an impact by starting in 50 games at third base during his inaugural campaign. This season, the 5’11, 195 pound Drake is batting .323 with 3 doubles, 1 home run and 5 RBI while starting each of the Bears’ first eight games. Drake will likely see plenty of time in the hot-corner while in Duluth.

Eureka, Missouri native Tim Clubb is seeing his first real action on the hill this season for the Bears after redshirting during 2006. The 6’2, 190 pound right-handed pitcher has already seen action in three of the Bears first eight games, including two starts. He also currently leads Missouri State pickoffs and is second on the team in innings pitched. Clubb is a welcomed addition to the Huskies pitching staff and will certainly enjoy pitching in the spacious Wade Stadium.

True freshman Christian Overstreet came to the Bears from Nixa High School in Nixa, Missouri. The 6’0, 195 pound outfielder batted .508 during his senior year of high school and is expected to be a contributor this spring at Missouri State. The left-handed batting Overstreet will be a versatile addition to the Huskies 2007 line-up.

Phoenix Rising in Duluth

February 27, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies today announced the signing of two players from Elon University. Chase Austin and Chris Dove will each make their Northwoods League debut this summer in a Huskies uniform.

Freshman infielder Chase Austin broke into Elon’s lineup right away and looks to be solidifying his place as starting shortstop during his first collegiate season. The Charlotte, NC native also has the versatility to play second and third base as well. So far in 2007, Austin has started in eight of the Phoenix’s first nine games and is batting .240 on the season. The Huskies will look for Austin to be a steady glove up the middle as well as a potent bat once the summer heats up.

Graham, NC native Chris Dove will grace the Duluth Huskies outfield in 2007. The sophomore with an above average arm in centerfield and good speed is said to be the best defensive outfielder for Elon. So far in 2007, Dove hasn’t disappointed on the plate either, he is batting .454 so far in nine games and is 5 for 6 in stolen bases. Dove has also been strong on the mound for the Phoenix by throwing four scoreless innings so far this spring. In the summer of 2006, Dove was tabbed as the number 10 prospect in the New York Collegiate League. The Huskies are excited to get Dove into a Huskies uniform in 2007.

Huskies Ink Huskers

February 13, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies Baseball announced Monday the signings of Northwoods League veterans Mike Nihsen (RHP) and Nick Sullivan (OF), as well as the addition of freshman Mike Nesseth (RHP) from the University of Nebraska.

Nihsen, a 6’3” 200 lb redshirt freshman from Ralston, NE was a member of the 2006 Duluth Huskies. While in Duluth, Mike earned both mid-season and post-season All-Star honors for his dominant season on the mound, boasting a 1.04 ERA (a Duluth Huskies single season record). The Huskies will be counting on Nihsen as a steady and experienced arm at the front-end of their rotation in 2007.

Sullivan, a 5’11” 200 lb sophomore from Arvada, CO, also graced the Huskies lineup in 2006. Nick provided some power at the plate hitting .221 with 3 home runs (tied for team lead) and 10 RBI. The Huskies will rely on his veteran leadership at the plate and in the outfield during the 2007 campaign.

Nesseth, 6’4” 200 lb freshman from Windom, MN, comes to Duluth as a highly-touted redshirted pitcher in the same mold as former Huskie and current Husker Charlie Shirek and the aforementioned Mike Nihsen. During his senior year in High School, Nesseth earned First-Team All-Minnesota Class AA Honors from the Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches Association.

The Huskers will open their 2007 Spring Season this weekend with four games in the University of Texas-Arlington Invitational and were predicted to finish second in the Big 12 Conference by Baseball America.

Huskies Sign A Pair Of Toreros

February 7, 2007
By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

The Duluth Huskies announced Wednesday that Kevin Hansen will return to the Huskies for a second season, and catcher Logan Gelbrich also has signed with the team for the 2007 campaign.

"Kevin Hansen just finds ways to get hits and Logan Gelbrich has been stellar defensively as well as providing some great offense. Both of these guys have been instrumental figures in our hot start this season and for our Baseball America's ranking of 17th in the country," said San Diego Head Coach Rich Hill, "They were also key in our recent series win with the 4th ranked Texas Longhorns. Duluth's going to get two outstanding young men as well as outstanding players and I don't think I can name any other players better in terms of character," added Hill.

Hansen, a 5'10 170 pound junior infielder from Glendora, CA finished the 2006 Northwoods League season with a .283 batting average. He batted .309 in July and August and was instrumental in the Huskies second half success this past year.

In 2007 for San Diego, Kevin is off to a torrid start leading the Toreros with a .455 batting average with a .545 slugging percentage and a .520 on base percentage.

Gelbrich, a 6'3 210 pound junior from Los Angeles, CA is also off to a hot start batting .368 and adds power to the San Diego lineup.

Illini Duo To Return

January 15, 2007
By Topher Davis and Aaron Benson, Duluth Huskies

Duluth Huskies General Manager Craig Smith announced that University of Illinois infielder Joe Bonnadonna and catcher Lars Davis have committed to return to Duluth for the 2007 Season.

Bonnadonna, a 5-foot-9-inch redshirt sophomore from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, has played in 109 games for the Huskies and will begin his third season in the Northwoods League. Bonnadonna has become a fan favorite in the Northland with his all-out hustle and his aggressive play. His versatility throughout the infield and outfield, coupled with his experience and leadership, will make Joe a key component for a successful season in 2007.

Davis, a 6-foot-3-inch, 205 pound junior from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada, returns for his second season in Duluth. As the starting catcher for the University of Illinois, Lars will provide stability and leadership behind the plate.

Bisenius Gets Phils' Invite

By Topher Davis, Duluth Huskies

Former Duluth Huskies pitcher Joe Bisenius is one of 19 non-roster invitee's to Spring Training with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies non-roster invitee's were announced on Monday, December 11th by the Phillies Director of Minor Leagues Steve Noworyta.

Bisenius pitched in Duluth for the 2003 Huskies and started 7 games during that summer. He worked for a 3-1 record and a 3.60 ERA in 40 innings. He also struck out 27 batters and was a 2003 Northwoods League All-Star, along with pitcher Steve Plucinski and infielder Dale Legaspi. Bisenius was a 12th round pick of the Phillies in the 2004 First-Year Players Draft and in 2006 made it all the way up to Class AAA with the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Red Barons of the International League. This past fall he even threw for the Peoria Saguaros of the prestigious Arizona Fall League. All of this has led up to Joe receiving an invite to Spring Training with the Phillies.

Bisenius is projected to have an opportunity to make the Phillies' bullpen out of Spring Training. He is projected to a short reliever and possibly a closer down the road. "He's throws hard, touching 97 (mph)," Noworyta said. "Any time you have a guy throwing that kind of number, you have to give him a look."

The Huskies have twenty-one former players in Affiliated Professional Baseball, but have yet to have a former player reach the Major League's.