ROCHESTER, Minn. (August 5, 2012) – With just a week left in the second half of the 2012 regular season, the Woodchucks clinched a playoff spot on Sunday and the second half South Division Championship. The Woodchucks join the Loggers in representing the South Division in the 2012 Northwoods League playoffs.
In the North, the Stingers remain the top team as they hold a two game lead over the surging Alexandria Beetles and a two and a half game lead over the St. Cloud Rox.
Thunder Bay 4, Rochester 7
Kevin Johnson (Illinois) earned his second win of the season as he threw five innings and allowed just two earned runs for Rochester. The Honkers will host the Border Cats on Monday for a 7:05 p.m. start.
Mankato 12, Alexandria 13
Tanner Vavra (Valparaiso) drove in his 32nd RBI of the season on a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth to give the Beetles the win. Alexandria will host the Stingers again on Monday at 7:05 p.m.
Battle Creek 3, Green Bay 4
Bryce Bellin (Minnesota State) threw five innings, allowed just two earned runs and struck out eight to earn his fifth win of the season for the Bullfrogs. Green Bay will host the Bombers again on Monday at 7:05 p.m.
La Crosse 8, Eau Claire 4
Matt Chapman (Cal State Fullerton) was 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored. He also picked up his sixth home run of the season. This series will shift to La Crosse on Monday with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Lakeshore 8, Madison 7
Forrest Chadwick (Southern Maine) went 2-for-5 with four RBI and two runs scored. He also tallied his 10th home run of the season. The Mallards will host the Chinooks again on Monday at 7:05 p.m.
Wisconsin Rapids 3, Wisconsin 4
Madison Carter (Grayson County CC) came across the plate in the bottom of the ninth for the Woodchucks’ walk-off victory. The series shifts to Wisconsin Rapids on Monday and the first pitch is at 7:05 p.m.