The Battle Creek Bombers opened their 2017 season at home, but fell in 13 innings 5-3 to the Lakeshore Chinooks.  

Lakeshore plated 2 runs in the top of the 13th off Bombers reliever Christian Griffin, a sac fly from Justin Bardwell then a wild pitch brought in Daniel Desimone.  

The Bombers held a 3-2 lead heading into the ninth, but the Chinooks scored on a Caleb Dean RBI-single to tie the game.  First baseman Zach Biermann helped head the Chinooks offense going 3-6 with an RBI.

Trent Johnson got the start for the Bombers, delivering a strong first outing lasting 6.0 innings, giving up just 1 run on 4 hits and striking out 12 in a no decision effort.  Taylor Horn was also solid out of the bullpen, going 2.0 innings giving up 1 run on 1 hit.  

All of the Battle Creek three runs came in the sixth inning with the offense only producing 8 hits in the 13 innings.  Designated hitter Cody Hawken produced his only hit of the day in the sixth with a 2-rbi double.  Storm Joop would round out the Bombers scoring with a sac fly that brought in Hawken.  Tom Stoffel led the team in hitting going 2-6 and scoring a run.  

The Chinooks went with right-hander Shane Smith to start the season, as he lasted 6.0 innings allowing all three of the Bombers runs.  Four other relieves entered the game, with Nick Campe picking up his first win of the season in 2.0 innings of relief.  

Battle Creek will look to split the series tomorrow evening against Lakeshore, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.  

Fans can guarantee tickets to the team’s top weekend dates of the season by locking in the Bombers 5-game pack. Five-game packs are $59 and include the best seats at the team’s five best games with all-you-can-eat food and beverages and guaranteed giveaways. Fans can buy online by going to http://northwoodsleague.com/battle-creek-bombers/tickets/5-game-packs/. Fans can also call the team’s front office at (269) 962-0735 or by email tickets@battlecreekbombers.com. 
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The Battle Creek Bombers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The 23-year-old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 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 160 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including two-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champion Ben Zobrist (CHC) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM) and Lucas Duda (NYM).  All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.battlecreekbombers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Bombers as your favorite team.