Cornhuskers fall to 12th after losing one, forfeiting one

By Jake Courtepatte

 

The Nobleton Cornhuskers are hanging on to their NDBL playoff hopes by a thread, after a week that saw the team winless.

The last home game of the season was held against the Creemore Braves on Thursday.

Kevin Winters gave the Huskers an incredible start, sending one over the fences in the first at-bat of the game.

“Kevin really gave us a spark to start the game,” said manager Eric Jones. “But it just didn't last.”

They held on to the 1-0 lead until the top of the third, when Creemore's Chris Greer crossed cross the plate to tie the game. However, the Huskers bounced right back in the fourth, with both Jones and starting pitcher Troy Mcloughlin coming in to score to put the team up 3-1.

The Huskers' luck turned sour in the fifth. After a three-run inning for the Braves, they added three more in the sixth and seventh to take the game 7-3.

As is the recent trend, the Huskers' troubles did not lie in reaching base, but rather bringing those runners in to score. Despite the four-run loss, the Cornhuskers outhit the Braves 8-5.

Mcloughlin had a solid outing on the mound, going five innings giving up four hits and four runs, while striking out nine in the loss.

The bad luck streak continued on Sunday, as the team was forced to forfeit an afternoon game in Orangeville against the Giants.

“We just couldn't get enough guys,” said Jones. “We couldn't figure out a good makeup date, and I guess (Orangeville) just wanted the win more than to play the game.”

The forced win by the Giants puts them one point up on the Huskers in NDBL standings.

The Cornhuskers now sit in 12th place in the standings, three points back of the Mansfield Cubs for the eighth and final playoff spot. With two games left on the schedule, the Huskers will have to win in both Creemore and Ivy this week to stand a chance at making the postseason.

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