Warriors earn road win over Dimond

ANCHORAGE — As the Alaska Road Warriors took a four-run lead into the bottom of the ninth against the Dimond Lynx Friday, Road Warriors head coach Myrl Thompson knew it was not time to get comfortable.

As it turns out, the lead heading into the final inning provided just enough of a cushion for the Warriors to stay on top. Dimond plated three runs in the final inning, but the Road Warriors held on for a 6-5 win over the Lynx at the Kosinski Field Complex in Anchorage.

“Dimond’s one of those teams. They’re very difficult to put away in a nine-inning game,” Thompson said.

Thompson said the Lynx have a knack for rallying late. Dimond nearly completed the comeback scoring three unanswered runs in the ninth. But the Wasilla-based American Legion squad had just enough of a lead to hand Dimond (4-1) its first loss of the summer.

Thompson said he expected a tough contest for the Warriors, who improved to 3-0 overall with the win.

“(It’s) the first big test so far,” Thompson said. “Dimond’s going to be tough. They have a really solid lineup.”

Sam Loyer helped the Road Warriors build their lead with a two-run double. Dalton McHugill also drove in a run for the Wasilla team.

The Road Warriors drew nine walks in the win. McHugill and Eric McEnnis each walked three times. Wasilla also stole six bases.

Starter Nolan Monaghan and reliever Jacob Butcher combined to strike out 11 hitters in the win. Monaghan, who pitched four innings, was credited with the win.

Wasilla 17, Bartlett 0

WASILLA — The Road Warriors pounded Bartlett 17-0 Tuesday at McManus Field in Wasilla.

Ben Ross hit a pair of home runs, and finished with five RBIs in the win. Tyler Hansen was 2 for 3 with a triple, three RBI and two runs scored. Mitchell Chauvin was also 2 for 3 with an RBI and three runs scored.

Chuavin fanned six and walked only one during five scoreless innings on the mound