Bombers fall to the Chinooks in walk-off fashion, 2-1

Bombers starting pitcher Felix Minjarez got off to a good start for Battle Creek. He did not allow a hit in the first three innings, and only allowed four hits in his third start of the year. Minjarez also allowed two walks and earned four strikeouts.

The Bombers bats stayed quiet early on against Chinooks starter Cole Gnetz. Through four innings, Gnetz did not allow a runner for Lakeshore. Second baseman Christian Helsel led off the fifth inning by getting hit by a pitch, but was thrown out while trying to steal second base.

The first hit for the Bombers came with two outs in the sixth inning as Jarrod Watkins connected for a single, breaking up Gnetz’ no-hitter.

The Bombers still struggled at the plate until the eighth inning. Designated hitter Chad McKinney led off with a walk, and was pinch-ran for by Aaron Singh. Singh advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by pinch-hitter Cody Sporrer, and he came around to score on a one-out single by Eric Gilgenbach. Gilgenbach tried to advance to second but was caught in a rundown.

With the game tied at one going to the bottom of the ninth inning, Kevin Riley led off with a single for the Chinooks against Edgar Sanchez. Riley advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Royce Ando. After Sanchez intentionally walked Zac Taylor, Darius Sewell struck out swinging. Tim DalPorto lined a single into right field, scoring Kevin Riley, and giving the Chinooks the 2-1 win.

The Bombers now travel to Rockford to take on the Rivets Tuesday night at 7:35/6:35 Central.