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Big Sticks escape Minot with 5-2 win over Sabre Dogs

Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Souris Valley outfielder Allen Grier runs to first base during the seventh inning of Monday evening’s game against the Badlands Big Sticks at Corbett Field. The Big Sticks seized a 5-2 victory over the Sabre Dogs.

Stu Flesland used the first six innings of Monday evening’s game between the Badlands Big Sticks and the Souris Valley Sabre Dogs as a pitching canvas. Flesland, a southpaw from Boise State, did not surrender a hit to the Sabre Dogs in six innings of work.

Flesland also racked up 12 strikeouts as the Big Sticks (12-11) earned a 5-2 victory over the Sabre Dogs (12-10).

“He’s a freshman, but he doesn’t act like a freshman on the mound,” Sabre Dogs head coach Corey Thompson said. “He’s really poised, he throws three pitches for strikes and he throws really hard. He’s got a big future ahead of him.”

Ten total hits helped the Big Sticks snap their five-game losing streak. Badlands scored the contest’s first run on a throwing error in the second inning.

In the top of the fifth frame, Conner VanCleave’s sharp RBI single gave the Big Sticks a 2-0 lead. After scoring another run in the sixth inning, the Big Sticks put up two more tallies in the seventh.

Flesland’s exit was a welcome sight for the Sabre Dogs. In the bottom of the seventh, Badlands relief pitcher Joel Torres walked Nik Levensteins with the bases loaded.

Souris Valley did not muster any more runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Relief pitcher Tanner Riley held the Big Sticks scoreless in two complete innings.

Although Souris Valley walked off three consecutive wins against Badlands, the Lewis Division foe was out of reach on this particular night. In the ninth, Sabre Dogs outfielder Allen Grier stole third base and came home on a throwing error.

Grier’s hustle provided a glimmer of hope, but he was the only Souris Valley player to score in the final frame. Still, Thompson was encouraged by the team’s overall effort in the series.

“It’s been fun to watch,” he said. “Stressful games, but then it comes down to one pitch. That one pitch has been very fun to watch the last three nights. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen tonight. That’s baseball. We’ll play tomorrow.”

Flesland earned the win, while Souris Valley starter Ryan Lobus took the loss. Lobus struck out six batters, allowed six hits and surrendered two runs in five innings.

Geo Camfield locked up the save for Badlands. The squads will begin a three-game series at 7:35 p.m. this evening in Dickinson.

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.

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