THUNDER BAY, ON – July 1, 2025 – After a challenging conclusion to the first half of their season, the Thunder Bay Border Cats erupted in a commanding 15-5 victory over the Waterloo Bucks on Tuesday, July 1st, marking a resounding start to the second half of the Northwoods League baseball season.
The win was a stark contrast to the tough 14-0 shutout loss the Cats endured just the night before on June 30.
A revitalized Border Cats lineup, featuring a new look after nine player departures since June 30, came alive at the plate. The team racked up an impressive 15 runs on 13 hits and 14 RBIs.
Catcher Ayden Hadley led the charge, hitting his first home run of the year and contributing two RBIs. Third baseman Manny Alberto had a stellar offensive night, recording four hits, scoring four runs, driving in two, and hitting a triple, along with two stolen bases.
Camden Tanner also had a big game, adding a triple, two runs, two hits, and three RBIs. Hayden Stringfellow was a major contributor with a double and four RBIs.
On the mound, Will Humphrey earned his first win of the season, pitching two and one-third scoreless innings with just one walk and two strikeouts. John McDonald started the game for the Border Cats, pitching three and two-thirds innings.
Rylan Newman and Jabe Schlehuber closed out the game for Thunder Bay.
The Waterloo Bucks managed five runs on seven hits, with Owen Ross hitting a double and Marcus Heusohn, Ross, Parker Sweeney, and Jake Slade each collecting an RBI. Bucks pitchers Riley Fuller, Brody Leyboldt, Braedyn Cunningham, and Marcus Heusohn faced a relentless Border Cats offence throughout the game.
The game, played at Port Arthur Stadium, drew an attendance of 1,512 fans.
Attendees were treated to a pre-game concert by The Sensational Hot Rods, and mere moments after the Border Cats secured their victory, the skies opened in a massive downpour.
This decisive win puts the Border Cats on a positive trajectory as they begin the second half of their Northwoods League campaign, showcasing their renewed offensive prowess and resilience after a challenging prior outing.
The Border Cats conclude their homestand on Wednesday with a game against the Waterloo Bucks. First pitch will be at 6:35 pm.
