Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Souris Valley starting pitcher Ryan Lobus releases a pitch during Monday evening's game against the Badlands Big Sticks at Corbett Field. At press time, the Big Sticks led 5-1 in the eighth inning.

Over the weekend, the Souris Valley Sabre Dogs defeated the Badlands Big Sticks in walk-off fashion over three consecutive games. Late Monday evening, the final game of the home series at Corbett Field began at 8:15 p.m. due to rainy weather.

The Sabre Dogs (12-9) entered the evening leading the division standings by a game and a half. While the Big Sticks (11-11) were spiraling in a five-game losing streak.

At press time on Monday, the Sabre Dogs were losing 5-1 in the eighth inning. A complete game recap can be found online at minotdailynews.com.

The Big Sticks will welcome the Sabre Dogs to Dickinson for a three-game series starting tonight at 7:35 p.m.

Below are some tidbits and notes prior to Monday’s game. All statistics are through Sunday’s games.

Walk-off mania

As if Friday’s walk-off wild pitch in the tenth inning was not enough, the Sabre Dogs earned another extra-inning win on Saturday night. Not to be outdone by his teammates, Bo McClintock drove a walk-off base hit in Sunday’s win. Sunday’s contest went nine innings, but the Sabre Dogs scored four runs in the ninth for the victory.

Late Friday evening, catcher Cullen Hannigan sprinted to home plate and provided the go-ahead run in Souris Valley’s 5-4 win over Badlands. On Saturday, infielder Mason Dinesen polished off a 4-3 comeback victory with a sharp walk-off RBI single.

McClintock completed the trifecta in a 6-5 win on Sunday. Those wins helped the Sabre Dogs claim the coveted first-place spot over the Big Sticks in the Lewis Division standings.

Heart of the order

Badlands lays claim to two of the Expedition League’s top three batting averages. Outfielder Carson Lundmark’s .403 (27-for-67) average in 16 games leads the league.

Infielder Wyatt Setian has not cooled off since starting the 2020 season at a white-hot pace. In 22 games, Setian has recorded a .349 (30-for-86) average while clubbing eight home runs and driving in 17 runs.

Notably, Big Sticks utility player Conner VanCleave has earned the league’s fifth-best average (.338) after going 25-for-74 at the plate. The reliable-left hander has played 21 games for Badlands.

Solomon’s success

If Souris Valley outfielder Josh Solomon has achieved a little bit of everything in the batter’s box. The Columbia University (New York) product has attained a team-high .311 (19-for-61) average in 16 games.

Solomon has also displayed a hefty amount of pop in his right-handed bat. His five home runs lead the team.

When Solomon reaches base (.425 OBP), he immediately becomes a threat to steal another. Six stolen bases highlight Solomon’s resume.

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