EXPRESS CAPTURE NWL TITLE

The Eau Claire Express capped off a magical season winning the Summer Collegiate World Series by taking the Northwoods League Championship two games to one over the Rochester Honkers.  The Express won the third and deciding game on Sunday hammering the Honkers 9-1 before 1,480 fans at Carson Park in Eau Claire.  The home team won all three games in the final and all were lopsided scores.  Eau Claire took the opener at Carson Park Friday night 6-0.  The Honkers bounced back with an 11-0 victory at Mayo Field in Rochester on Saturday.  The Express lost the first game of the South Division Final, but bounced back to beat the Wisconsin Woodchucks in three games.  Rochester swept the North Final in two games over St. Cloud.  Eau Claire had the best record in the NWL this season, going 48-22 and finishing first in the South Division in both the first half and second half of the season.  It was the first ever league championship for the Express, who also hosted the 2010 NWL All Star Game this past July.  The Express had reached the league final one other time, losing to St. Cloud in 2008.    

 CATS FALL IN FINALE

 The Border Cats lost their final game of the season 10-7 in 11 innings to the Willmar Stingers Monday night before 1,025 fans at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium.  In a see-saw affair, the Cats took a 6-5 lead scoring a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th inning.  Ryan Court (Illinois State) singled and scored the tying run when Ken Battiston (Eastern Michigan) doubled off the left field wall.  Battiston would score one out later on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Taylor Honeycutt (Wingate University).  The Cats were one out away from their fourth straight win, but reliever Will Krasne (Rollins College) issued a two-out walk and following a stolen base, the Stingers Eduardo Gonzalez hit a high chopper to short that snuck under the glove of Court for an error, tying the game 6-6.  The Stingers then scored four times in the 11th to grab a 10-6 lead.  Garret Houts (USC), rounded out the scoring in the bottom of the 11th, crushing a solo home run to left-centre, his third homer of the season.  Matt White (Rollins College) took the loss to fall to 1-2.  Thunder Bay's Eric Brown (UBC), started for the Cats and pitched 6.2 innings.  Brown gave up 11 hits and five runs (three earned), while walking one and striking out four.  Court led the way offensively, going 3-5 with two runs scored.  Battiston had a 2-5 night with a double, a run scored, and two runs batted in.  Houts was 2-5 at the plate.  The Cats finished up the second half with a record of 15-19 and wound up with a 31-38 mark for the season.  Thunder Bay's home record was 20-15 and the Cats won 8 of their last 12 games to finish out the campaign.  CLAW MARKS:  Ryan Court finished the season with a .304 batting average, edging out Tanner Nivins, who batted .303.  That breaks the single season record for highest batting average previously set in 2007 when Danny Benedetti hit .292.  Court also walked 43 times to finish with an on-base percentage of .451.  That also sets a club record previously held by John McKee at .433 in 2004.  Nivins was named NWL Player of the Night for the second time this month on Sunday after going 5-5 in the Cats 7-3 victory over Willmar.  The Cats averaged 651 fans per game this year, 15th in the 16 team Northwoods League.  Thunder Bay President/General Manager Brad Jorgenson told local media that he plans to re-evaluate the team's operation in the coming weeks before committing to the 2011 season.  Jorgenson added he is hopeful the Cats will return for their ninth year in the Northwoods League.  For more on the story click here.  In the meantime, 2011 Border Cats Season Tickets are on sale at the team's stadium office.  Office hours are 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday-Friday or call 766-CATS.  You can also print off a 2011 Season Ticket order form here on our website.  Simply scroll down on the right side of the main page to the 2011 Season Ticket Information Box.         

 CATS KNOCK OUT STINGERS

The Border Cats played the role of spoiler Sunday beating Willmar 7-3 and eliminating the Stingers from the playoff race in the North Division standings.  The Cats won for the eighth time in 11 games and they improved their home record to 20-14 overall.  Willmar fell one game behind first place St. Cloud and the Stingers cannot make up enough ground on the River Bats based on winning percentage.  The Cats jumped out to an early lead, scoring twice in the 1st inning and added single runs in the 2nd and 3rd frames to go ahead 4-0.  Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook University) set a team record for hits in game, going 5-5 with a double and two runs scored.  The big night raised Nivins batting average to a team leading .308.  P.K. Kitamura (Hawaii) went 3-4 with a double and an RBI.  Ken Battiston (Eastern Michigan) drove in three runs going 2-4.  Garret Houts (USC), Ty Wosleger (Fairfield University), and Will Thorp (Lewis-Clark State) all had two hits as the Cats set a franchise record with 18 hits in the game.  Michael Woytek (Wright State) evened his record at 5-5 as he pitched six innings for the victory.  The big righthander allowed eight hits and three runs with two walks and three strikeouts.  Matt White (Rollins College) and Paul Barton (Panola Jr. College) combined for three scoreless innings of relief as the Cats upped their second half record to 15-18.  The Cats will go for the sweep in the final game of the season tonight at 6:35 p.m. at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium.  Thunder Bay's Eric Brown (UBC) will pitch the season finale.  Brown is 3-1 in nine games with a team leading 1.29 earned run average.  Monday is Fan Appreciation Night with prizes from the Future Shop and other giveaways.  The grand prize is a trip for two to Montreal, including round trip airfare and tickets to a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre.  The winner will also receive a number 94 Tom Pyatt Border Cats baseball jersey, that includes the Habs logo patch.  Pyatt, a forward with the Canadiens from Thunder Bay, will be in attendance to draw the winning ticket.  It's also MP3 Monday as one lucky fan will win an MP3 Player courtesy of the Power Centre.  CLAW MARKS:  Corey Pappel (Cornell University) was named NWL Pitcher of the Night after his outstanding performance in the Cats 2-1 win over Willmar on Saturday.  The righthander from Mississauga, ON, allowed one unearned run over 7.1 innings and struck out seven as he finished up the season with a record of 5-4.          

CATS CLIP STINGERS

Garret Houts homered in the bottom of the 4th inning, breaking a 1-1 tie and the Border Cats went on to beat the first place Willmar Stingers 2-1 Saturday night before 755 fans at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium.  For Houts (USC), it was his second home run of the season and the win improved the Cats home record to 19-14.  Corey Pappel (Cornell) had a tremendous outing in his final start for Thunder Bay.  The righthander from Mississauga, ON, pitched 7.1 innings and allowed an unearned run as he ran his record to 5-4.  Pappel walked three and struck out seven as the Cats saw their second half record climb to 14-18.  Paul Barton (Panola Jr. College) earned his second save, firing 1.2 innings of scoreless relief with one strikeout.  Ken Battiston (Eastern Michigan) continued to swing a hot bat, going 2-4 and driving in the Cats first run with a 1st inning single that plated Sean Miller-Jones (Central Connecticut State).  The Cats and Stingers play the middle game of their three game series Sunday at 5:05 p.m.  Michael Woytek will get the start for Thunder Bay.  The righthander from Wright State University is 4-5 in 11 starts with a 3.58 earned run average.  Sunday is the second Season Ticket Redemption Night of the weekend.  Season ticket holders can redeem their un-used tickets for new seats, subject to availabilty.  It's also Kids Day with 2 for 1 tickets in the Cats Bouncer and kids can run the bases after the game.  CLAW MARKS:  Ryan Court (Illinois State) is closing in on a Border Cats single season record.  Court walked three times in four plate appearances Saturday, giving him an on-base percentage of .449 for the season.  The infielder from Sleepy Hollow, IL, is batting .297 with a team leading 42 walks.  The previous mark for highest on-base percentage is .433 set by John McKee in 2004.  Mike O'Neill holds the record for walks in a season with 59 in 2008.              

CATS - HONKERS RAINED OUT

Heavy rains in the Rochester, Minnesota area washed out Friday night's game between the Border Cats and Honkers at Mayo Field.  Because it was the final meeting between the two teams this season, the game will not be made up.  Following an 0-8 start on the road this season, Thunder Bay finished up with an 11-23 record away from home.  The Cats (13-18), return home this weekend for their final three games of the season as they host the Willmar Stingers at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium.  The Cats can play the role of spoiler as the expansion Stingers are currently battling St. Cloud for the second half North Division title.  Corey Pappel (Cornell) will pitch the opener Saturday at 6:35 p.m.  The righthander from Mississauga, ON, is 4-4 with a 4.17 earned run average in 11 games, including nine starts.  Saturday is also the first of two Season Ticket Redemption Nights.  Season ticket holders on Saturday and Sunday can redeem their un-used tickets for new seats, subject to availability.  It's also Senior Saturday presented by the Thunder Bay 55-Plus Centre.  Seniors 55 years of age and over can purchase reserved seats for only $7.00.  The Cats and Stingers play Sunday at 5:05 p.m. and Monday at 6:35 p.m. 

CATS HAMMER HONKERS

 The Border Cats erupted for seven runs in the 2nd inning Thursday night and they went on to rout the Honkers in Rochester 11-3.  The Cats tallied 12 hits as they improved their second half record to 13-18.  Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook University) again led the way going 2-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.  The centre-fielder from Kitchener, ON, is now tied for the team lead in runs batted in with 36.  Ryan Court was 2-3 with a double, two runs batted in and also scored once.  Ken Battiston (Eastern Michigan) and Ty Woselger also added two hits against the playoff bound Honkers.  Connor Little (Hawaii) pitched four scoreless innings in relief to pick up the win and improve his record to 2-3.  Little allowed only two hits and struck out three.  Brian Voigt (Augustana College) closed out the victory with two scoreless innings of work.  The Cats will play their final road game of the season tonight in Rochester at 8:05 p.m. ET.  Garrett Yount will get the start for Thunder Bay.  The righthander from Rollins College is 2-5 in 11 starts this season with a 3.41 ERA.  The Cats then return home for their last home series of the season as they host the Willmar Stingers in a three game set beginning Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium.  CLAW MARKS:  After pitching for Team Canada at the World University Games, Thunder Bay's Eric Brown has returned from Japan and is scheduled to take the mound in the Cats final game of the season.  Brown (UBC), will face Willmar Monday at 6:35 p.m. on Fan Appreciation Night at Subway Field.  The righthander is 3-1 in nine games this season and leads all Cats starting pitchers with a 1.29 earned run average.   

CATS SPLIT WITH HUSKIES

The Border Cats and Huskies finished their season series by splitting a doubleheader Wednesday in Duluth.  The Cats won the opener 10-5 with the Huskies taking the nightcap 5-2.  In the first game, the Cats were down 4-3 before exploding for six runs in the 8th inning as they went on to the 10-5 victory.  Ken Battiston (Eastern Michigan) and P.K. Kitamura (Hawaii) both had two-run singles in the 8th inning as the Cats banged out 15 hits in the opener.  Battiston finished 3-6 with a double, a run scored and three runs batted in.  Ryan Court (Illinois State) had a pair of doubles and also knocked in three runs.  Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook University) went 3-5 with a run scored and an RBI and Ty Woselger (Fairfield University) had a 3-4 night at the plate and scored once.  Will Krasne (Rollins College) earned his first win, pitching 2.1 innings of relief.  Krasne (1-0), allowed two hits and one run.  In the second game, Duluth jumped on Thunder Bay starter Jeff Deblieux scoring a pair of runs in the both the 1st and 2nd innings.  Deblieux (South Alabama), took the loss in his third start of the season to fall to 0-1.  The lefty gave up five hits and four runs in 1.2 innings with a couple of strikeouts.  Nivins was 1-2 with a triple and a run scored.  Battison added an RBI, giving him four in the twinbill and 23 for the season.  The Cats managed only three hits in the 5-2 loss and they were officially eliminated from the second half North Division playoff race.  Thunder Bay did capture the Superior Cup for the sixth straight year, taking the season series against Duluth 6-4.  The Cats (12-18), now head to Rochester Thursday for a two game series against the Honkers.  Christian Dekker (NW Missouri State) will pitch the opener for Thunder Bay tonight at 8:05 p.m. ET.  Dekker has made three starts and is 0-1 with a 4.50 earned run average.       

 IT RAINED CATS AND DOGS

The Border Cats and Huskies game was postponed Tuesday night in Duluth because of rain.  The two teams will play a doubleheader Wednesday at Wade Stadium beginning at 6:05 p.m. ET.  Connor Little (Hawaii) and Jeff Deblieux (South Alabama) are the scheduled starters in the twinbill for Thunder Bay.  Little is 1-3 with a 4.12 earned run average in eight games, including six starts.  Deblieux has made two starts and is 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA.  The Cats lead the season series with the Huskies 5-3.  Following the doubleheader in Duluth, the Cats (11-17), head to Rochester for a pair of games against the Honkers Thursday and Friday.  The Cats close out the regular season at home with a three game series against the Willmar Stingers beginning Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium.  CLAW MARKS:  Cats assistant coach Ross Winter (Bradley University) had a close eye on the opening National Football League pre-season game this past Sunday.  His father, Ron Winter was the head referee for the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio between the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals.  Ron Winter is in his 14th season as an NFL official.     

CATS LOSE IN DULUTH

The Border Cats opened their final road trip of the season Monday in Duluth losing 6-1 to the Huskies.  The Cats scored their only run in the 8th inning when Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook University) singled home Taylor Honeycutt (Wingate University).  For Nivins, it was his 34th run batted in, which ranks second on the club.  Thunder Bay managed only three hits as its second half record slipped to 11-17.  Michael Woytek (Wright State) took the loss to fall to 4-5.  Woytek went 3.2 innings and allowed six hits and five runs.  Despite the loss, the Cats have already clinched the 2010 Border Battle for the Superior Cup against the Huskies as they lead the season series 5-3.   The Cats and Huskies play the second game of their three game series tonight at Wade Stadium at 8:05 p.m. ET.  Connor Little (Hawaii), who is coming off his first win of the season, will make his seventh start for Thunder Bay.  Little is 1-3 with a 4.12 earned run average.  CLAW MARKS:  Garrett Yount was named NWL Pitcher of the Night this past Saturday after his seven inning shutout performance in the Cats 7-2 win over Willmar.  The righthander from Rollins College won his second game of the year, allowing just four hits and striking out six.  It was the second time in three days that a Border Cat took home a nightly league award.  Outfielder Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook) was named NWL Player of the Night after going 3-5 with three runs scored and three RBI's in Thursday's 17-5 victory over Mankato.

CATS SLAM STINGERS

The Border Cats took the second game of their weekend series with Willmar beating the Stingers 7-2 Saturday night at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium.  Once again the Cats took an early lead thanks to a two-run double in the 1st inning by Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook University).  Nivins had a big night at the plate as he had three hits and drove in four runs, including his team leading 7th home run of the season.  Jeff Deblieux (South Alabama) went 2-5 with two runs scored, while Ryan Court (Illinois State), Ty Woselger (Fairfield University), and Sean Miller-Jones (Central Connecticut State) all collected two hits as the Cats banged out 14 hits in the victory.  Ken Battiston (Eastern Michigan) provided some big insurance runs with a two-run triple in the 5th inning.  Garrett Yount (Rollins College) fired seven shutout innings to improve his record to 2-5.  Yount, who has been the victim of little run support this season, won for the first time since opening night when he shutout Duluth 1-0.  The righthander from Silvis, IL, allowed just four hits while walking two and striking out six.  Thunder Bay's second half record now stands at 11-16 and the Cats trail first place Willmar and St. Cloud by five games in the North Division with eight games remaining.  The Cats will enjoy Sunday off before opening a five game road trip Monday in Duluth for the first of three games against the Huskies.     

STINGERS STOP CATS 

The Border Cats saw their three game winning streak come to a halt Friday night losing 5-3 to the Willmar Stingers at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium.  The Cats were up 2-0 after one inning on RBI singles by Sean Miller-Jones (Central Connecticut State) and Ryan Court (Illinois State).  Thunder Bay then held a 3-2 lead after three innings, but the Stingers tied it with one in the 4th and took the lead with a pair of runs in the 5th.  Christian Dekker (NW Missouri State) took the loss to fall to 0-1.  The righthander from  Urbandale, IA, pitched five innings and allowed five runs on nine hits.  Dekker walked two and struck out three.  Court finished the night 2-3 as the Cats second half record dropped to 10-16.  The Cats close out their five game homestand tonight with the final game of the two game series with Willmar.  Garrett Yount (Rollins College) will make his 11th start of the season for Thunder Bay.  Yount is 1-5 with a 3.84 earned run average.  It's Senior Saturday presented by the Thunder Bay 55-Plus Centre as all senior reserved seats are $7.00.  CLAW MARKS:  2B Evan Mistich played in his final game of the season Friday, going 1-4.  The all-star is moving to the University of Oklahoma Sooners for the upcoming school year.  Mistich played in 59 games and batted .267 with 12 doubles and four home runs.  He also leads the Cats with 36 runs batted in and eight stolen bases.  Assistant Coach Ross Winter (Bradley University) is away from the team this weekend to attend a friend's wedding in Michigan.     

CATS CRUSH DOGS

The Border Cats completed a three game sweep of Mankato crushing the MoonDogs 17-5 Thursday night at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium.  The 17 runs tied a franchise record for most scored in a game and the Cats scored 36 times in the three game series.  Thunder Bay erupted for eight runs in the first inning, sending 12 men to the plate.  Jeff Deblieux (South Alabama) and Will Thorp (Lewis-Clark) both recorded two hits in the first inning and the Cats pounded out a total of 15 hits in the rout.  Deblieux and Garret Houts (USC) both drove in three runs as the Cats upped their second half record to 10-15.  Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook) went 3-5 with three RBI's and three runs scored.  Sean Miller-Jones (Central Connecticut State) was 3-6 at the plate including a two-run triple and P.K. Kitamura (Hawaii) chipped in with two hits.  Ryan Court (Illinois State) set a club record with four walks in the game.  Corey Pappel pitched six innings to even his record at 4-4.  The righthander from Mississauga, ON, gave up six hits and four runs while walking two and striking out four.  Will Krasne (Rollins College) made his home debut, pitching the final three innings and allowing one run and striking out one.  The Cats continue their homestand tonight when they open a two game series against the Willmar Stingers at 6:35 p.m.  The Stingers are tied with St. Cloud atop the North Division standings at 15-10, with the Cats five games back.  Christian Dekker (NW Missouri State) will make his third start of the season in the opener for Thunder Bay.  The righthander is 0-0 with a 2.46 earned run average.  It's T.G.I.F. Night as fans 19 years of age and older can purchase a Molson Beer and a slice of Domino's Pizza for only $5.00 and it's also Country Music Night at the ballpark.  CLAW MARKS:  The Cats filled their 26th and final roster spot by signing Thunder Bay's Kurtis McCallum for the remainder of the season.  The 6'2", 180 pound righthander spent the past college season as a freshman at Mesabi Range Community College in Virginia, MN.  McCallum graduated from St. Patrick's High School and played in the Westfort International Little League and the Northwest Slam baseball programs. He becomes the seventh local player to suit up with the Cats.   

CATS MAKE IT TWO OVER MOONDOGS 

The Border Cats won their second straight over Mankato Wednesday night beating the MoonDogs 8-5.  The two teams waited out a one hour and 39 minute rain delay to start the game before another small crowd of 475 fans at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium.  An RBI single by P.K. Kitamura (Hawaii) keyed a three-run rally in the bottom of the 2nd and the Cats had a 5-1 lead after three innings.  Garret Houts (USC) went 2-3 with an RBI double and a run scored and Ryan Court (Illinois State) had a 2-4 night with a double and scored twice.  The win ran the Cats second half record to 9-15 and Thunder Bay trails first place Willmar by five games in the North Division standings.  The Cats still have five games left with the Stingers all at home.  Zak Miller (New Mexico) survived a shaky first start of the season to pick up his 7th win, which ties him for the league lead.  The righthander from White Rock, BC went five innings and allowed seven hits and four runs.  Miller (7-2), walked five and struck out four.  Brad Delatte pitched the final 1.2 innings and struck out one for his third save.  The Cats will go for the three game sweep of the MoonDogs tonight at 6:35 p.m.  Corey Pappel is the scheduled starter for Thunder Bay.  The righthander from Mississauga, ON is 3-4 with a 3.92 earned run average.  Thursday is Team Photo Night presented by Citi Centre Print as the first 250 fans will receive a 2010 Border Cats team picture.  It's also Ladies Night with gifts courtesy of Vaillant Florist and Michael's Hair Design & Day Spa.  CLAW MARKS:  Thunder Bay's Eric Brown was the winning pitcher as Canada routed China 17-3 at the World University Games in Japan.  The Border Cats righthander gave up two runs over six innings and struck out four.  It was the second appearance in the tournament for Brown after he pitched two innings in a loss to the United States.  Canada is out of medal contention and playing in the consolation round.     

 CATS BEAT DOGS

 Following an 4-8 road trip, the Border Cats returned to the friendly confines of Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium on Tuesday night and dumped the Mankato MoonDogs 11-2.  Ben Scheffer's bases clearing double in the first inning gave Thunder Bay an early 3-0 lead and the Cats led the rest of the way as they improved their second half record to 8-15.  The Cats also struck for three runs in the 6th and 8th innings before a disappointing turnout of only 560 fans.  Scheffer (Florida Tech), added another double and drove in four runs on the night.  Sean Miller-Jones (Central Connecticut State) went 2-3 with an RBI and a run scored and Ken Battiston (Eastern Michigan) also had two hits and scored a run.  Connor Little (Hawaii) benefited from the early lead as he recorded his first win of the season.  Little (1-3), pitched 6.2 innings and gave up five hits and one run while striking out six.  Righthander Brian Voigt (Augustana College) pitched a scoreless 9th inning with one strikeout in his Cats debut.  The Cats and MoonDogs play the middle game of their three game series tonight at 6:35 p.m.  Zak Miller (New Mexico) will make his first start of the season for Thunder Bay.  The all-star righthander from White Rock, BC has made 26 appearances out of the bullpen and leads the Cats with six wins.  Miller is 6-2 overall with a 3.40 earned run average.  Tonight is Weenie Wednesday with dollar hot dogs all game long.        

 CATS FINALLY HEAD HOME

 The Border Cats finished up their franchise record 12 game road trip with a 4-8 record after losing 4-1 to the MoonDogs Monday night in Mankato.   The loss was the Cats fourth straight and dropped their second half record to 7-15.  Thunder Bay took a 1-0 lead in the 5th inning when Ben Scheffer (Florida Tech) doubled home Ryan Court (Illinois State), who had opened the inning with a single.  The MoonDogs then got to Cats starter Michael Woytek (Wright State) who gave up three runs in taking the loss.  Woytek (4-4), pitched five innings and allowed only two hits, but walked four and struck out four.  The Cats and MoonDogs will continue to go head to head as the two teams meet Tuesday night at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium in the opener of a three game series.  First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.  Connor Little, who celebrated his 20th birthday on Sunday, is the scheduled starter for Thunder Bay.  The righthander from the University of Hawaii is 0-3 with a 4.68 earned run average in seven games, including five starts.  Tuesday is a big night at the ballpark for the kids.  It's Toonie Tuesday as all kids tickets (12 & under) are only $2.00.  It's also Pepsi Kids T-Shirt Night.  The first 150 kids (12 & under) receive a free Border Cats T-Shirt courtesy of Pepsi.            

LUNKERS BLANK CATS

Kyle Teague allowed only two hits over eight innings as the Lunkers blanked the Border Cats 2-0 Friday night in Brainerd.  Teague struck out eight as he beat the Cats for the second time this month.  On July 15th in Thunder Bay, the Brainerd righthander fired seven shutout innings in a 3-1 Lunkers win.  Evan Mistich (Panola Jr. College) had a double and Will Thorp (Lewis-Clark) singled for the only Thunder Bay hits.  The loss dropped the Cats second half record to 7-12.  Corey Pappel (Cornell) was the hard luck loser as his record slipped to 3-4.  Pappel allowed two runs on seven hits over 7.1 innings with no walks and a pair of strikeouts.  The Cats and Lunkers play the final game of their three game series Saturday at 8:05 p.m. ET.  Christian Dekker (NW Missouri State) will make his second start of the season for Thunder Bay.  Dekker pitched six innings and allowed just two runs in receiving a no decision in the Cats 4-3 loss at Duluth last Sunday.  CLAW MARKS:  The Cats have signed a pair of pitchers for the remainder of the season.  Jake Nystrom is a 5'11", 180 pound righthander from Fargo, ND.  He pitched in 10 games in his freshman season at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth and was 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA.  Brian Voigt is a sophomore righthander at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD.  Voigt is a 6'0", 195 pounder from Adams, MN.  He will join the team Sunday in Mankato. 

CATS SINK LUNKERS

The Border Cats improved to 4-4 on their 12 game road trip with a 4-2 win over the Lunkers in Brainerd on Thursday night.  With the Cats trailing 2-0, Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook University) tied it with a two-run home run in the 6th inning. For Nivins, it was his team leading 6th homer of the season and the Cats added two more runs in the 8th inning to improve their second half record to 7-11.  Ty Wosleger (Fairfield University) scored Ryan Court (Illinois State) on a fielder's choice with the go ahead run and Ken Battiston (Eastern Michigan) also scored on the play thanks to a Lunkers error.  Jeff Deblieux (South Alabama) made his second start of the season on the mound for the Cats.  The lefty allowed four hits and two runs over six innings with three walks and six strikeouts.  Paul Barton (Panola Jr. College) pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless relief to pick up his first win.  Brad Delatte (Nicholls State) got the final four outs with one strikeout for his second save.  The Cats and Lunkers play the middle game of their three game series Friday night at 8:05 p.m. ET.  Corey Pappel is the scheduled starter for Thunder Bay.  The big righthander from Mississauga, ON is 3-3 with a 4.21 earned run average.   

CATS SPLIT WITH BATS 

The Border Cats and River Bats split a doubleheader Wednesday night in St. Cloud playing a pair of one-run games.  The Cats took the opener 4-3 but lost the nightcap 3-2.  In the first game, Michael Woytek (Wright State) went the distance in the seven inning game to improve his record to 4-3.  Woytek allowed six hits and three runs while walking none and striking out two.  The Cats trailed 3-0 but tied it in the 5th inning with three runs, thanks to a two-run triple by Jeff Deblieux (South Alabama) and a run scoring single by Will Thorp (Lewis-Clark).  Thunder Bay pushed across the go ahead run in the 6th inning as pinch-hitter P.K. Kitamura (Hawaii) single home pinch-runner Garret Houts (USC).  In the second game, the Cats had a 2-0 lead before the River Bats rallied for three runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to win it 3-2.  Ty Woselger (Fairfield University) knocked in both Thunder Bay runs with a two-run single in the 2nd inning.  Connor Little (Hawaii) pitched well but suffered the loss to fall to 0-3.  Little went 5.1 innings and gave up four hits and three runs (two earned).  The righthander from San Diego, CA walked two and fanned three.  Thunder Bay took the season series against St. Cloud 6-4.  The Cats (6-11), continue their 12 game road trip Thursday when they open a three game series in Brainerd against the Lunkers at 8:05 p.m. ET.  CLAW MARKS:  The Cats have also announced that shortstop Brett Doe (New Mexico) and pitcher Jorge Rodriguez (Seminole State College) have left the club.  Doe played in 45 games and batted .121 with eight runs batted in.  Rodriguez pitched in 10 games out of the bullpen and was 0-3 with a 12.54 earned run average.   

CATS HAMMER HUSKIES

The Border Cats waited out a one hour and 10 minute rain delay Saturday night at Wade Stadium and then rained down on Duluth, hammering the Huskies 16-4.  The Cats broke a 2-2 tie when they sent 12 men to the plate and erupted for seven runs in the 2nd inning.  It was the highest run total of the season for Thunder Bay as the Cats banged out 11 hits and took advantage of five Duluth errors.  Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook University) highlighted the big 2nd inning with a two-run double.  Ryan Court (Illinois State) went 3-3 with a double and a pair of runs batted in.  Ben Scheffer (Florida Tech) knocked in four runs going 2-3, including a triple and two runs scored.  Nivins finished 2-6 with three RBI's and Ken Battiston (Eastern Michigan) also went 2-6 and scored two runs.  Corey Pappel (Cornell) survived a shaky 1st inning when he gave up two runs to pick up the win, improving his record to 3-3.  Pappel pitched five innings and allowed two runs on four hits with six walks and five strikeouts.  Righthander Will Krasne (Rollins College) made his debut for the Cats and allowed two runs in one inning of work.  The win improved the Cats second half record to 5-8 and they trail first place Brainerd Lakes Area by 3 1/2 games in the North Division standings.  The Cats and Huskies close out their two game series Sunday at 6:05 p.m. ET.  Christian Dekker (NW Missouri State) will make his 2010 debut on the mound for Thunder Bay.  Dekker appeared in seven games for the Cats in 2009 before being shut down for the season with a right arm injury.  CLAW MARKS:  Righthander Garrett Yount (Rollins College) had his scheduled start moved from Saturday in Duluth to this Monday when the Cats return to St. Cloud for the start of a three game series against the River Bats.  Yount (1-3, 2.72 ERA), pitched one inning at the NWL All Star Game in Eau Claire last Tuesday.  The seven runs scored by the Cats in the 2nd inning Saturday night was a season high.  Court has raised his average to .285.  He has recorded a three-hit game three times in his past 10 starts.     

     ERWIN SIGNS WITH PHILLIES

Following discussions with a number of Major League Baseball organizations at the NWL All Star Game in Eau Claire, WI earlier this week, Border Cats reliever Drew Erwin has signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.  The 6'1", 190 pound righthander was heading into his senior season this fall at Nicholls State University in Louisiana.  Erwin appeared in 20 games for the Cats this season, compiling a record of 2-3 with a 3.98 earned run average and a league leading 10 saves.  The native of Alvin, TX recorded 15 strikeouts in 20.1 innings pitched.  Erwin, who was in his second year with Thunder Bay, set a franchise record by appearing in 38 games last season, going 1-3 with five saves and a 4.84 ERA.  The 21 year old will report on Friday to the Phillies minor league complex in Clearwater, Florida.   

CATS BLANK BATS

The Border Cats opened a franchise record 12 game road trip on a winning note Thursday night as they blanked the River Bats 7-0 in St. Cloud.  The Cats were up 3-0 when they broke the game open by scoring three times in the top of the 5th inning.  Michael Woytek (Wright State) pitched six shutout innings as he evened his record at 3-3.  Woytek allowed five hits, walked three, and struck out three as the Cats made it 5 out of 6 against the River Bats this season.  Brad Delatte (Nicholls State) completed the shutout by allowing one hit over three scoreless innings, to earn his first save.  Thunder Bay improved its second half record to 4-7 and the Cats still trail first place Brainerd Lakes Area by four games in the North Division standings.  Ty Wosleger (Fairfield University) led the Cats at the plate, going 2-5 and driving in three runs.  Ken Battiston (Eastern Michigan) went 2-4 with a double and an RBI.  Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook University) also went 2-4 with a run batted in and a run scored, and Will Thorp (Lewis-Clark) had two hits in four at-bats and scored a run.  The Cats and River Bats conclude their two game series in St. Cloud tonight at 8:05 p.m. ET.  Connor Little (Hawaii) will get the start on the mound for Thunder Bay.  The righthander is 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA in five games, including three starts.      

 NORTH WINS ALL STAR GAME

Five members of the Border Cats were on the winning side in the 2010 NWL All Star Game as the North Division beat the South 7-5 Tuesday night in Eau Claire, WI.  The North broke a 5-5 tie scoring a pair of runs in the top of the 7th inning for the win in the annual mid-summer classic before over 3,600 fans at Carson Park.  2B Evan Mistich (Panola Jr. College) and CF Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook University) were both in the starting lineup for the North.  Mistich had a 1-3 night at the plate while Nivins went 0-1, driving in a run with a sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning.  Righthander Garrett Yount (Rollins College) pitched the bottom of the 3rd inning and allowed two hits, two walks, and an unearned run.  Relievers Zak Miller (New Mexico) and Drew Erwin (Nicholls State) both helped keep the lead in check for the North.  Miller recorded two outs with one strikeout and Erwin got the final two outs of the 8th inning.  Duluth's Cody Asche was the Star of the Stars MVP going 2-4 with a two run homer for the winners.  Pitcher Eric Brown of Thunder Bay, the sixth member of the Cats selected for the All Star Game, could not participate as he departs today for Vancouver to join Team Canada for the upcoming World University Games in Japan.  The Cats return to regular season action Thursday night when they open a 12 game road trip in St. Cloud with the first of two games against the River Bats.        

 BEETLES DOUBLE CATS 

The Border Cats head into the NWL All Star break with a 3-7 second half record, after losing 4-2 to Alexandria on Sunday at Subway Field at Port Arthur Stadium.  The Cats took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on a pair of RBI singles by Jeff Deblieux (South Alabama) and Sean Miller-Jones (Central Connecticut State).  The Beetles tied the game with two runs in the top of the 5th inning, and then added single runs in the 7th and 8th.  Deblieux went 2-4 in the loss as the Cats finished 1-3 on their four game homestand.  Corey Pappel took the the loss to fall to 2-3.  The righthander from Mississauga, ON, pitched 6.1 innings, giving up five hits and three runs (two earned), while walking two and striking out three.  Following a three day break, the Cats will embark on a franchise record 12 game road trip beginning Thursday night in St. Cloud against the River Bats.  The Cats next home game is Tuesday, August 3rd, at 6:35 p.m. versus the Mankato MoonDogs.  CLAW MARKS:  The Cats will make a few roster moves over the All Star break.  Pitcher Zach Smith (Middle Georgia College) is being shut down for the remainder of the season due to tightness in his left elbow.  The lefty appeared in six games, including four starts, going 0-2 with a 4.56 ERA.  Pitcher Christian Dekker returned to Thunder Bay over the weekend to visit friends, but wound up throwing a bullpen session for manager Mike Steed and will sign with the club for remainder of the season.  Dekker (NW Missouri State), pitched in 2009 for the Cats, but his season was cut short because of an arm injury.  The junior rigthhander from Urbandale, IA appeared in seven games last year and was 0-2 with a 7.36 earned run average.  Thunder Bay has also signed righthander Will Krasne.  The 6'0", 200 pound native of Lancaster, PA is a junior at Rollins College in Florida, where is a teammate of Cats pitchers Garrett Yount and Matt White.       

CATS CRUSH BEETLES