Lunkers thump Duluth

DULUTH - Michael Kvasnicka finished 2-for-4 and drove in three runs as the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers used a 3-run eighth inning to rally past the Duluth Huskies 5-2 Thursday.

After a Lunker run in the top of the first saw Duluth answer with two in the bottom of the inning both teams' offenses went stagnant until the Lunkers' eighth-inning rally.

Brainerd starter Brad Mergen struggled through six innings in which he allowed six hits and walked eight batters but only allowed the two first-inning runs.

Brett Severtson came in relief of Mergen to pitch a perfect seventh and eighth to pick up his first win of the season.

Lunker closer Drew Smith continued his dominance on the season striking out two in the ninth to notch his 12th save and a lower his ERA to .98.

Stephen Wickens was 1-3 with two runs for Brainerd

The win moves the Lunkers' record to 8-5 in the second half as they looked to complete a sweep of the Huskies with a win Friday night.

Brainerd 100 000 031 - 5 5 2

Duluth 200 000 000 - 2 7 2

Brainerd: Brad Mergen, Bret Severtson, Drew Smith and Hunter Nolen

Duluth: Matt Harrison, Brodie Brumley, Khris Tate, Christopher Jensen

WP: Severtson (1-0). LP: Brumley (0-1). Sv: Smith (12).

2B: Brd-Stephen Wickens, Justin Gominsky

RBIs: Brd-Michael Kvasnicka 3, Dennis O'Grady, Will Piwnica-Worms; Dul-Pete Cappetta, Nick Rickles

LOB: Brd 4, Dul 12

T: 2:44

A: 2237

Records: Brd 8-5, Dul 4-10

Next: Brainerd at Duluth 7:05 p.m. Friday