Bucks Blanked By Alexandria [Video]

After back-to-back double-digit scoring affairs on Wednesday and Thursday, the Waterloo Bucks compiled just four hits in a 3-0 loss to the Alexandria Blue Anchors at Riverfront Stadium Friday night.

Thomas Watson (Sante Fe) stymied the Waterloo offense over seven shutout frames, forcing the Bucks to try and adjust to his slow style of pitching.

The bright spot in the Waterloo lineup was Matt Stemper (Minnesota) with two of the four hits, including his eighth double of the season.

Brian Drapeau (5-2) (Long Island) took the loss over a quality 6 1/3 innings start that included three runs allowed on six hits paired with two walks and four strikeouts. Brian Polowy (North Central) was electric in relief for the Bucks (23-23/4-4), holding the Blue Anchors scoreless with one hit over 2 2/3 frames on the mound.

The loss moved Alexandria (18-27/6-4) into sole-possession of third place in the Northern Division of the second half while it also marked the first win for the Blue Anchors at Riverfront Stadium since a 6-4 victory on July 12, 2013.

Alexandria broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fifth with two doubles, taking a 1-0 lead. Luke Petterson (Minnesota) doubled with one out for the Blue Anchors, and later scored when Anthony Marks (Coastal Carolina) sent him in on a double-bagger.

Petterson, again, hurt the Bucks in the top of the seventh when he scored along with Ben Allen (DMACC) for the 3-0 lead. Anthony Marks (Coastal Carolina) plated a run with a single in the frame while Josh Merrigan (North Carolina) sent the last man across with a groundout to second base with one out in the inning.

The Bucks best scoring opportunity was squandered in the bottom of the seventh when they left runners at second and third with two outs in the frame.

Waterloo continues the home stand Friday by opening a two-game set with the Eau Claire Express at 7:05 PM (CT) Saturday from Riverfront Stadium.

Saturday marks a Minions Night/Mask Giveaway. Minions are taking over Riverfront Stadium! Minions will be on the concourse to take pictures and sign autographs! The first 500 fans through the gate will receive a free Minions Mask.

It’s also another installment of a FIREWORKS extravaganza with a fireworks show following the Bucks and Express ball game.

Tickets are available at waterloobucks.com. You can also visit the Bucks Ticket Office at Riverfront Stadium or call (319)-232-5633. Bucks' games are broadcast live on waterloobucks.com.

Story By: Matt Gruemmer