Cats fall apart late all over again

Cue another late-inning, bullpen-related collapse for the Thunder Bay Border Cats.

The Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers on Wednesday scored six times in the seventh inning, turning a two-run deficit into a four-run lead, on their way to an 8-5 win at Port Arthur Stadium, drawing a forgettable first half of the Northwoods League to a close.

After Thunder Bay starter Logan Birr allowed the first to Lunkers to reach base in the seventh, Lee Valencheck was brought in to shut down the opposition.

But the first-year Cat reliever issued a pair of walks, including a bases-loaded pass to Tommy Reyes, and found himself headed for the showers.

Ryan Lucero then gave up a walk, a sacrifice fly, and back-to-back-to-back singles, all five plating Lunkers runs.

The Cats, who played this one in front of 708 faithful, did their most damage in the fourth when Ty Wosleger smacked a bases loaded double that scored three runs.

T.J. Bennett smacked his second homer in the seventh, a solo shot off Brainerd starter Aaron Griffin that pulled the Cats (11-23) within three runs.

It was Thunder Bay’s 12th loss in 14 games and fourth in a row, this one tagged on Valencheck (0-2). Birr allowed four runs on eight hits, striking out five in 6.1 innings.  

They’ll be looking to get the second half off to a better start on Thursday they take on the Willmar Stingers on the road.

The Border Cats return home on Tuesday against Mankato, the start of a four-game home-stand.