The Bombers pitching staff, unfortunately and ironically, got lit up like Fourth of July fireworks on Monday night at Athletic Park in Wausau, Wisconsin, losing the opening game of the series to the Wisconsin Woodchucks 11-7.

Battle Creek trailed 2-0 before getting on the board. In the fourth inning, though, the Bombers pounced on Woodchucks relief pitcher A.J. Carmen when Matt Hitt walked with the bases loaded and Danny Rockett slugged a deep single in the next at-bat, scoring Bryce Redeker and Brett Wiley. It was a back-and-fourth battle throughout with Jordan Dean and Ryne Otis also finishing with multiple RBIs.

The Bombers pitching staff was thrown into uncharted waters when starter, and ace, Joe Battistelli injured his back on the first pitch of the game, although he managed to complete the first inning while in pain (he also set down the Woodchucks in order). Chad Jasman entered in relief and allowed four runs in two innings, while John Morrison threw an inning and gave up a run, and Scott Mariner and Kristian Calibuso each tossed two innings of three-run ball.

Battle Creek is now in a bind: with their loss, and Madison’s win over Eau Claire, the Bombers need to win the next two games in Wausau, and require Madison to lose the next two to Eau Claire, in order to at least tie for the first-half championship and the automatic playoff birth. If Madison wins Tuesday or Wednesday, or the Bombers lose either day, Battle Creek will have to fight for the second-half championship to retain playoff hopes for 2011.

Fans can hear game two live online at www.battlecreekbombers.com with Voice of The Bombers, Greg Talbott, calling the action.