THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – What a weekend for baseball in Thunder Bay! The Border Cats put on a show for their home crowd, delivering a decisive two-game sweep over the Mankato MoonDogs in Northwoods League action at Port Arthur Stadium.
This sweep has the Cats red-hot, winning eight of their last 10 games and improving their first-half record to an impressive 20-12.
The weekend started with a solid performance on Friday, June 27, 2025, as the Border Cats clinched a 6-3 victory against the MoonDogs.
The Border Cats completed the sweep on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with an even more dominant 13-6 victory over Mankato. This game was a true offensive explosion for Thunder Bay, highlighted by a massive six-run fourth inning that ultimately propelled them to the win.
Leading the charge on Saturday was Greg LaChance, who got the home scoring started in the first inning with a solo home run, his second of the season. The Border Cats’ bats were simply relentless, with Lucas Johnson going 2-for-4 with three RBIs, and Manny Alberto also driving in three runs. Jeremy Sheffield chipped in with a pair of RBIs himself.
On the mound, Jimmy Cerha earned the win for Thunder Bay, improving his record to 1-4, and Parker Burgess sealed the deal, collecting his first save of the season.
The MoonDogs did manage to get some hits on Saturday, tallying nine to the Border Cats’ ten. Josey Williamson and Cannon Peery each contributed a double for Mankato. However, the Border Cats capitalized on opportunities, including stolen bases from Jordan Bach (who swiped two), Lucas Johnson, and Manny Alberto.
The MoonDogs’ pitchers, including Caleb Koskie, Nic Peterson, and Tyler Vargas, faced a barrage of hits and walks, issuing thirteen walks collectively.
This powerful offensive display across both games underscores the Border Cats’ hitting prowess, a strength they’ve relied on throughout the first half of the season. While pitching consistency has been an ongoing challenge, these two wins demonstrate the team’s ability to put up big numbers when it counts.
Looking ahead, the Border Cats will look to continue their impressive run as they welcome the Waterloo Bucks for a four-game series starting Sunday at Port Arthur Stadium.
Tyler Talbert is expected to take the mound for the Cats, with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 p.m..
And for the early birds, there’s even a pre-game showing of “The Sandlot” on the video board at 2:30 p.m.!
Don’t miss it!
