The Bombers clinched the Southern Division pennant Tuesday night in Battle Creek, squeaking out a 9-8 comeback win over the Green Bay Bullfrogs. Battle Creek took the first two of three against the Frogs, and game three will not be played.
The Frogs, knowing they were against the ropes, came out swinging, scoring a run in the second inning, but Battle Creek battled back, bringing home three in the home half. Green Bay then exploded for five runs immediately afterwards, and led the Bombers for the most of the game…until the seventh inning. The Bombers scored four runs, including the go-ahead run, a bomb crushed to the right field fence by Jimmy Martinez, which scored two runs. Kristian Calibuso notched his 12th save and held on for the save by setting down the Frogs in the eighth and ninth innings.
Nick Frey struggled in the start, going just 2.2 innings before being replaced by John Morrison, who worked three innings of relief. Kevin Schultz pitched for the third time in four games, this time acting as the bridge between Morrison and Calibuso, and got the win for it.
The Alexandria Beetles tied their series with the Mankato Moondogs and will decide the Bombers championship opponent Wednesday. If Alexandria wins, the Bombers will play at home on Thursday and finish the season on the road. If Mankato takes the pennant, Battle Creek will host Friday and Saturday.
