Chester Bird suffers second consecutive loss to Wayzata

Playing Wayzata for the second time in four days, Chester Bird was unable to hang onto an early lead and suffered its second consecutive loss to the Trojans, dropping a 4-3 decision in a South Hennepin League game.

The Birds struck for two runs in the top of the third inning when Joe Melles, who doubled with one out in the inning, scored on an errant throw to second base on a John Kernan steal of second base. Kenny Polarek, who came on as a pinch runner for Kernan, then scored on Gabe MacDonald's base hit.

Wayzata scored three times in their half of the fourth inning, getting back-to-back walks to lead off the inning before Andrew Droen bunted for a hit to load the bases. A bases-loaded walk and a pair of hits would give the Trojans a 3-2 lead.

Wayzata held onto the 3-2 lead into the final inning when Melles collected his third hit of the game, leading off the seventh with a game-tying home run.

A leadoff walk to Zach Trygstad in the bottom of the seventh inning would prove to be The Birds' undoing as cleanup hitter Ryan Poppitz sacrificed him to second base. David Reynolds' base hit to left center would more Trystad 90 feet closer to home and pinch hitter Ben Rejzer then singled to center to end the game.

Melles led the Chester Bird offense with three hits, including a double and home run, two runs and an RBI.

John Kernan pitched six strong innings, allowing three runs on five hits with five strikeouts. However, seven walks contributed to him needing 112 pitches and leaving the game with a no-decision.

The Birds' game with St. Louis Park, which was rained out last night, will be made up Wednesday, July 6, at BSM Field beginning at 6 p.m.

Chester Bird takes part in the Hopkins Summer Classic this weekend, beginning with a 12 p.m. game versus Champlin at Hopkins High School. They will then face Tri-City Red at 8 a.m., Saturday, and Oakdale, at 1 p.m. Semifinals and championship game are slated for Sunday.