By Nicholas Giannone | June 6th, 2026
KALAMAZOO, MI — The Battle Creek Battle Jacks were not able to hold onto an early lead as they lost their second consecutive game 17-8 to the Kalamazoo Growlers.
The Battle Jacks jumped on the board early as Brendan Thompson launched a first-inning home run. The Growlers answered in the second inning, but Battle Creek quickly reclaimed the lead when Jake Stedman joined the home run parade with a blast of his own.
The third inning proved to be the difference-maker as they scored seven runs to take an 8-2 lead. While there was still lots of baseball for the Battle Jacks to mount a comeback, the Battle Jacks were unable to regain their focus.
The offence kept on coming for the Growlers in the fourth and fifth innings as they added nine more runs to their total to push the lead to 17-6.
The Battle Jacks scored two runs in the sixth to cut the lead to 13 off of Dayne Wimberly’s two-RBI triple.
Dayne Wimberly added to the Battle Jacks’ offensive output in the eighth inning with an RBI, but Battle Creek still trailed 17-9.
The Growlers added a run in the eighth to take an 18-9 lead as Brody Houseman crossed home plate off a home run to right field.
Battle Creek finished the night with 13 hits along with one error.
The Battle Jacks are back in action on Monday as they host the Kenosha Kingfish for a two-game set with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm.
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).
