By Max Mercy

HAYWARD -- The Lake Superior Sea Dogs survived an eight-run rally over the last three innings but preserved its nine-run lead to defeat the Jim Falls Sturgeons, 13-12, in a WBA (Wisconsin Baseball Association) Playoffs game at Larry Somerville Field here on Saturday afternoon.

The Sea Dogs built an 8-0 lead after three complete innings, with four runs in the first and two each in the second and third frames.

Jim Falls scored four runs in the top of the fourth but Lake Superior answered with five in its half of the fourth. Jim Falls plated two runs in the seventh, four in the eighth, and two in the ninth.

Lake Superior was led by Blake Imhoff (4-for-6, 4 R, RBI), Eric Hinnenkamp (4-for-5, R, 4 RBI), Cameron Pietrusa (2-for-5, 4 R, 2 RBI), and Alex Busick (2-for-4, 2 2B, R, 3 RBI).

Winning pitcher Owen Hindermann allowed 10 runs on eight hits and eight walks with nine strikeouts in seven and two-thirds innings. Hinnenkamp notched the save. He allowed two unearned runs on one hit and three walks with one strikeout in one and one-third innings.

Billy Soran hit a grand slam with two outs in the eighth inning to bring the score to 13-10. Hinnenkamp relieved Hindermann after the hit and got a ground out on his first pitch.

Jim Falls scored two runs on one hit, three walks, and one Sea Dogs error in the ninth before Hinnenkamp ended the game with a strikeout. The Sturgeons stranded two runners on base in the ninth. 

Will Jacobsen was the losing pitcher. He allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits and two walks with one strikeout in two innings. Reliever Pete Thaler shut down the Sea Dogs' offense with four and two-thirds shutout innings. He allowed two hits and two walks with one strikeout.

The third team in the pool is the Spooner Cardinals. Jim Falls will play Spooner at 7:00 p.m. Saturday while Lake Superior will play against Spooner at 4:00 p.m. Sunday. The winner of the pool advances to the WBA State Finals weekend, August 18-20, at Eau Claire.