Kenosha, Wis. – The Kingfish host the La Crosse Loggers tonight at 7:05pm at historic Simmons Field, aiming to complete a series sweep in the process. Having won eight of their last nine, Kenosha now sits just one game back of playoff position with 14 left to play. Probable pitchers for tonight’s matchup are RHP Steven Klimek of the Kingfish and RHP Ben Cejka of the Loggers.
Manager Duffy Dyer will look to his offense to do its part once again this evening. The Kingfish currently score 5.6 runs per game, the second best mark in the NWL. They are guided by 2B Chris Godinez and LF Pat Porter who lead the league in batting average and RBI respectively. Overall the team has played well against La Crosse this season, recording four wins and a stellar .333 batting average in seven contests. Tonight Kenosha will look to exploit a Logger pitching staff that has yielded a 5.17 ERA in the month of July.
Last night’s affair with the Loggers resulted in an 8-4 victory for King Elvis’ crew. RF Buddy Reed (3-5, 2 RBI, R, SB) and 1B Zach Ratcliff (1-2, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB) led the way as seven different Kingfish tallied a run. The key for the home team was grabbing an early 3-0 advantage through two innings, a deficit the Loggers would never overcome. Reed found himself in the middle of the action, scoring the first run and driving in the next two. Meanwhile the trio of Callahan Brown, E.J. Trapino, and Coley Thompkins were thwarting Logger bats. Brown picked up his second victory of the season as he struck out five and allowed one earned in five innings on the mound.
Tonight’s starter Steven Klimek will look to follow suit. The fire-baller from St. Bonaventure has performed well this season, specifically against left-handed hitters. Having faced 66 lefties on the year, Klimek has yielded just two extra base hits. In addition, his 28 strikeouts in 28.1 innings pitched place him among the team’s leaders in K to IP ratio. Ready to aid the righty will be a Kenosha bullpen featuring six arms with a sub-4.00 ERA.
Tonight is also Princess and Super Hero Night, presented by Ruffalo’s Hair Studio at historic Simmons Field. Fans 12 and under who dress in costume will receive a free hot dog and soda at the Festival Foods Grill behind home plate. The food special for tonight is pulled pork loaded nachos, which can also be found at the Festival Foods Grill. Wednesday’s matinee will be the final date of the three-game home stand for the Kingfish as they take on the Lakeshore Chinooks at 12:05p.m.
