Fifth inning proves to be undoing for The Birds

Wayzata scored six runs in the fifth inning and, for the third time in eight days, hand Chester Bird a defeat, this time a 7-4 loss in the semifinals of the Hopkins Summer Classic.

John Kernan, who got a no-decision while pitching six innings against the Trojans, Thursday, was strong through four innings, having allowed one run on just two hits, but he was unable to record an out in the fifth before giving way to Scott Quinby after seven batters.

Quinby proceeded to allow just one hit with one strikeout over the final three innings and gave The Birds a chance to come back.

They got one run back in the bottom of the fifth inning when Greg Zeman reaced base on an error, moved to third on Joe Melles' single and scored on an infield hit by Spencer Shaver.

Gabe MacDonald doubled to lead off the bottom of the sixth and was followed by a Robby Sutherland single. Two outs later, Quinby singled and scored on Jimmy Heck's triple. He then scored on Zeman's base hit before the rally ended.

Shaver led off the seventh with a base hit but Wayzata got a double play ground ball for the second consecutive inning. MacDonald then walked and Sutherland singled before Paul Voelker came on for the Trojans to record a strikeout and earn a save.

Chester Bird returns to South Hennepin League play by hosting Edina, Tuesday, at 6 p.m.