The difference a day makes.
Just 24 hours removed from a come-from-behind victory over Willmar, the Marshall Mudcats were unable to duplicate the feat falling just short of Alexandria in a 11-10 loss Thursday evening in Litchfield.
Again, the Mudcats got out to an early 1-0 lead, this time scoring in the bottom of the first inning. Marshall added to its lead with four more runs in the fourth inning, stretching its lead to 5-0.
Alexandria was not interested in going away quietly, however, as they struck for five runs in the fifth inning to tie the game. Another six runs in the sixth gave Alexandria a 11-5 lead and closed the book on Mudcats' starter Aaron Mathiowetz, who allowed all 11 runs in 5 1/3 innings. Mathiowetz was relieved by Jared Holland, who stymied the Alexandria bats over his 3 2/3 innings.
The Mudcats attempted their rally off of Alexandria reliever Nick Knoblauch in the eighth inning. Marshall scored five in the bottom of the eighth, but were unable to tie the game before Knoblauch regained composure.
Mason Schnaible and Ben Sanders continued to hit well, as Schnaible went 4-for-6 for the Mudcats and Sanders finished 2-for-6 with a double. Riley Carpenter also added a double for the Mudcats, who combined for 10 hits as a team.
Following the loss, Marshall will face Willmar at 5 p.m. tonight in Litchfield. The winner will have to defeat Alexandria twice in order to reach the Minnesota Legion state tournament.
Alexandria000 056 000-11 11 2
Marshall100 400 050-10 10 3
A-Blake Stockert, Nick Knoblauch (6); M-Aaron Mathiowetz, Jared Holland (6). WP-Stockert. LP-Mathiowetz. 2B: M-Ben Sanders, Riley Carpenter.