Muckrakers: On deck

THURSDAY'S GAME:

vs. Lumberjacks

PITCHING MATCHUPS:
Larry Lumberjack (3-3) vs. Dave Taxier (3-3), 6:15 p.m., Field 1.

THE SKINNY: The Muckrakers begin the season's econd round with a crucial D-League West tilt between two 3-3 teams. A victory for either side could have postseason implications down the line. ... The 'Rakers, who haven't played in two weeks,
are coming off a stirring 14-13 win over the Bench Warmers, lifted by Mike Gale's walk-off single. ... The Lumberjacks are coming off a 17-13 loss to first-place Air Pro, also two weeks ago. ... The Lumberjacks beat the Benchwarmers 17-14 in the second week of the season. ... The 'Rakers beat the 'Jacks 22-15 on Opening Night May 12. Their 22 runs is their season high, as are the 25 hits they rapped that night. ... Dre Thurston (3-for-4) drove in six runs vs.
the 'Jacks. ... Mat Petersen went 4-for-4 and tripled in the second and fifth innings. ... Randy Striegel tripled and drove in three runs, and Luke Abbott blasted a two-run homer in the second. ... Dave Alcorn went 3-for-4 and scored four runs and Chris Wagnon and Taxier went 3-for-3. ... The Muckrakers put up 10 runs in the second inning in the 9:30 p.m. tilt on Field 3. ... Leadoff man Gale scored three runs. ... Striegel has RBI in each of the Muckrakers games this season, and has had multi-RBI games in five of the team's six games. ... The Muckrakers had 23 hits in their last game vs. the Benchwarmers. ... Thursday's game is the first 6:15 affair of the year for the Muckrakers. ... Following this game the Muckrakers have yet another bye, and don't play again until June 21 vs. Weideman Construction.

-- Muckraker News Services