Latest News
By Nicholas Giannone | May 29th, 2026
KALAMAZOO, MI — The Battle Creek Battle Jacks split the double-header against the Kalamazoo Growlers on Friday, backed by a strong performance in the second contest of the day.
Game One at 11:05 am
The Battle Creek Battle Jacks lost the first game of the doubleheader on Friday, in a tight contest, 3-2.
The Battle Jacks got the bats going early at Honor Credit Union Stadium, as AJ Lucas’ RBI single gave the Jacks an early 1-0 lead through the first inning of play.
The first game of the day featured a lot of solid pitching on both ends, as starting pitcher Ian Junkin threw five innings, striking out five. Payton Pundez came into the game during the sixth inning and had a strong bottom half of the inning, striking out two.
The seventh inning proved to be anything but that as three runners for Kalamazoo crossed home plate, taking a 3-1 lead.
The Battle Jacks attempted to mount a comeback in the ninth inning, as Sonnier Moses’ RBI cut the lead down to one.
Game Two at 6:35 pm
The Battle Jacks bounced back in the second game of Friday’s doubleheader, defeating the Growlers 6-2 in Kalamazoo.
The offense got going early for Battle Creek as Thomas Cooper drove in Sonnier Moses with an RBI triple to give the Battle Jacks the first lead of the game.
The Growlers evened the score at 1-1 after an errant throw to second base allowed Phillip Thigpen to cross the plate.
The Battle Jacks regained the lead in the fifth inning when Jake Stedman delivered a RBI single, scoring Owen Larrigan to break the deadlock.
Connor Willar turned in a strong performance on the mound, allowing just one run on three hits over six innings while throwing 97 pitches. He struck out two before being replaced by Sam Bespoyasny to begin the seventh inning.
Battle Creek extended its lead in the sixth inning with three more runs, highlighted by RBI hits from AJ Lucas, Owen Larrigan, and Christian Lopez.
The Battle Jacks added an insurance run in the seventh as Hunter Morgan drove in a run with an RBI single.
The Growlers had a late push in the ninth, scoring on an error, but it proved not to be enough as the Battle Jacks secured a 6-2 victory.
The Battle Jacks are back in action on Saturday as they continue the I-94 Cup against the Kalamazoo Growlers, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm at MCCU Field.
About the Battle Jacks & the Northwoods League
The Battle Creek Battle Jacks are a proud member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its 33rd season, the 26-team Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history, drawing significantly more fans in a more friendly ballpark experience than any league of its kind.
A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 410 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson; three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR); two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford; World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL); 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (BAL); and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (NYM).
