By: Pat Mullen

Battle Creek, Mich. – The Bombsquad could not complete the sweep of the Wisconsin Woodchucks as their comeback fell just short.

Battle Creek plated three runs in the seventh and one more in the eighth inning, but fell 6-5, leaving the bases loaded in the ninth.

“Stranding 13 guys is too much, we need to do a little bit better putting the ball in play with two strikes,” Coach Robinson said post-game.

That was the tale of the game for both teams, as the Woodchucks stranded 16 on base.

After a shaky start for Austen Thrailkill (Embry-Riddle), Both Kyle Slack (Toledo) and Alden Cartwright (LSU) did a great job in relief going five combined innings and giving up one unearned run.

The Bombers were led offensively by first baseman Matt Dacey (Richmond) who had three hits on the day, including a homerun to dead center.

“I am just going out there really focusing on being quiet at the plate, getting my foot down and not trying to do too much,” Dacey said about his approach lately.

Dacey had a week off from the NWL as he went to Omaha, Nebraska to participate in the NCAA Home Run Derby. HE finished third in the derby, and has kept the hitting going for Battle Creek.

The Bombers are glad to have him back, but the offense has to come up big when given the opportunity. In the ninth, the Bombers had the bases loaded with only one out, but could not plate one run to tie the game.

“We need to do a bit better of a job hitting with two strikes,” Coach Rob added. “There were some things to build on though, but just taking it day by day and grinding it out is a key.”

Battle Creek has their second off day of the season tomorrow before finishing up this short home stand as the Kenosha Kingfish come to town. First pitch on Tuesday will be 7:05 ET.

 

Game Notes:

Just a day after being named Northwoods League Player of the Night, Justin Stawychny left the game today in the top of the first. He made a running catch in right field and injured his collarbone as he tumbled to the ground. We hope Justin makes a quick, strong recovery and have enjoyed watching him play for the Bombers.

Brandon Van Horn had an off day today ON the field, but that didn’t stop him from working. He joined the radio guys, Pat Mullen and Nick Winstead, in the both during the third inning to broadcast with the guys. Van Horn is a broadcast/communications major at Dallas Baptist and he did a great job for his first time on the microphone!

Matt Dacey: 3-5, 1 R, 2 RBI, SB (3), HR (5)

TJ Hillman: 1-4, 1 BB, SB (6), 2 R

David Richards IV: 2-4, HBP, SB (12)

Jordan Hand: 1-2, 3 BB

Kyle Slack: 2 IP, 2 H (season ERA 3.43)

Alden Cartwright: 3 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K (season ERA 0.00)

 

The Battle Creek Bombers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). For more information, visit http://www.battlecreekbombers.com