By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Webster City, IA – Humboldt dropped both games of a North Central Conference doubleheader against Webster City on Monday, falling 10-8 in eight innings in the opener before losing 9-8 in Game 2.
In Game 1, Webster City broke a 3-3 tie with a five-run third inning to take control. Humboldt chipped away at the deficit with one run in the third, another in the sixth and three runs in the seventh to force extra innings. The Lynx regained the lead in the eighth when back-to-back hit batters forced in two runs, and Humboldt was unable to complete another comeback in the bottom half.
Grant Goodell took the loss in relief despite striking out five over 5 1/3 innings. Chase Hansen powered the Wildcats offensively with four RBIs.
Game 2 featured five lead changes. After the teams were tied 3-3 through two innings, Humboldt took a 4-3 lead in the third before Webster City answered to regain the advantage. Valley Davis put the Wildcats back in front with a three-run homer in the fourth, and Avyon Sutterfield added a go-ahead solo home run in the fifth to make it 8-7.
The Lynx answered with two runs in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead for good. Humboldt loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh, but Webster City escaped to complete the sweep.
Jaxson Kirchhoff was charged with the loss in relief, while Davis drove in three runs and Sutterfield homered for the Wildcats.
The losses dropped Humboldt to 12-5 (7-3 NCC). The Wildcats return to non-conference action Tuesday night at home against No. 9 (4A) Fort Dodge (21-4). First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.