Bendzick, Rusk lead Warriors

FERGUS FALLS - Dan Bendzick snapped his three-game winless streak and Tate Rusk had three hits and played flawless defense to help the Brainerd Warriors to a 4-1 victory over Fergus Falls in Central Lakes Conference baseball Tuesday.

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Bendzick, a senior right-hander who hadn't won since April 14, pitched a complete game. He struck out five, walked three and gave up just three hits.

Dan Bendzick

"Dan had his best game of the year without a doubt," Warriors coach Lowell Scearcy said. "He threw better as the game went along. His five strikeouts were all in the last four innings. He threw 28 strikes and five balls the last three innings."

Rusk was 3-for-3 with an RBI single. Joel Martin had two doubles and finished 2-3. Thomas Fairbanks was 1-2 with two RBIs. Nate Smolke was 1-3 with a double and RBI.

"Tate had a really good day," Scearcy said. "He was 3-for-3 and drove in a run. He dug out a couple throws in the dirt, one with the bases loaded, that saved (us). He had a strong day at first base."

Tate Rusk

Brainerd 4 9 3

Fergus Falls 1 3 1

WP: Dan Bendzick (2-3). LP: Joe Anderson. Conference: Brd 8-4. Overall: Brd 14-4. Next: Willmar at Brainerd 5 p.m. Thursday.