Duluth holds down Wausau Woodchucks in series opener

For Wausau Pilot & Review

WAUSAU – The Wausau Woodchucks dropped a 4-1 decision to the Duluth Huskies in Northwoods League baseball action Saturday night at Athletic Park.

The opening game of the two-game series was a pitchers’ duel all the way through until the end, with both teams employing just two pitchers each.

Chris Scinta (Houston) got the start for the Woodchucks. He went a full six innings pitched, and struck out six, allowing just two walks. Jorge Decardenas (Charlotte) was sent in to relieve Scinta in the seventh after Duluth scored three times in the sixth to take a 3-0 lead. Decardenas kept the game close, allowing just one run and two hits. Decardenas struck out five over the final three innings.

The Chucks only run came in the bottom of the sixth. Isaac Webb (Corpus Christi) singled with one out to allow Brayden Smith (Iowa Western) to score.

The Huskies plated their final run in the eighth.

The Chucks defense was solid tonight, turning two double plays and allowing just eight hits. The first double play came when Decardenas struck out one at the plate, and then the ensuing throw was interfered with. The plate umpire ruled it as interference, and called the runner out.

The second double play came when Jorge Decardenas caught a come-backer hit to the mound, and then turned to double-up the runner on second.

Wausau drops to 24-8 this season and into a tie for first place with the Madison Mallards in the Great Lakes West Division. Duluth is now 16-15.

The Woodchucks will be back at home Sunday for Hilarious Heelers Day at 1:05 p.m. Kids run the bases following the game, which is sponsored by Culvers.