Rochester, Minn (July 12th, 2013)–Extra innings take on a different meaning when the final out is recorded in the bottom of the 21st. On Friday night, the Madison Mallards and Lakeshore Chinooks resumed a game that was suspended earlier in the season. With 21 innings played, the game became the longest game in the history of the Northwoods League.

The primary story of the game was the effort put in by both bullpens. In 30.1 innings of work, the bullpens combined for six runs allowed. A few other fun facts from this game include the combined 52 putouts. Another stat of note is how the Madison staff held the Chinooks’ number three hitter without a hit or walk in ten plate appearances.

Elsewhere around the league, the Waterloo Bucks’ winning streak was finally put to an end by the Alexandria Blue Anchors in game two of their double header.

Madison 5, Lakeshore 4 (Game 1, F/21)

The Mallards pushed across two runs in the top 21st and limited the Chinooks to just one run in the bottom of the inning to seal the win. The game was the longest game in the history of the Northwoods League.

Madison 7, Lakeshore 1 (Game 2)

Lost in the madness caused by the first game was the fact that Friday meant a double-header in Mequon. The Mallards were able to pick up their second victory on the day thanks to the combined efforts of Taylore Cherry (North Carolina) and Corey Fischer (Madison College). The duo of pitchers combined for just one run on seven hits. Cherry picked up the win.

La Crosse 5, Wisconsin 4

The Loggers and Woodchucks matched each other in scoring in every inning until the Loggers pushed across the difference maker in the top of the 9th. Both starters in this game were excellent as they combined for 12 innings and just two runs while striking out 10 batters.

Green Bay 8, Battle Creek 5

After getting down 5-1 after five innings, the Bullfrogs needed to put together a rally to come back for the win on Friday. Thanks to a seven run 6th inning, they were able to accomplish that feat. In defeat, Tommy Mirabelli (Kansas) accomplished a rare feat by drawing four walks out of the lead off spot.

Wisconsin Rapids 5, Eau Claire 2

Friday belonged to John Kravetz (Illinois) for Wisconsin Rapids. The right-handed starting pitcher went 7.2 innings and didn’t surrender an earned run. He also allowed just four hits and a walk while striking out eight batters to get the win.

Rochester 6, Willmar 1

Rochester fans, players, and coaches got to breathe a sigh of relief on Friday as the Honkers finally notched their first win of the second half. Matt Halloran (Minnesota) contributed the big blow for the Honkers with a three run shot in the pivotal 2nd inning. Starter Matt Kent (Texas A&M) went eight innings and allowed just one run while getting nine strikeouts.

Mankato 4, Duluth 3 (F/10)

The MoonDogs scored the tying run in the 8th and the winning run in the bottom of the 10th as they took out the Huskies on Friday. They spoiled a great start from Clay Chapman (Florida Southern) who didn’t allow an earned run over seven innings while striking out six batters.

St. Cloud 4, Thunder Bay 3

The Border Cats made an attempt at a rally in the bottom of the 9th, but they were held short as the Rox came out with the win. Eric Nyquist (Mercer University) didn’t allow an earned run over seven innings and surrendered just four hits while picking up the win.

Waterloo 5, Alexandria 1 (Game 1, F/7)

The Bucks continued their winning ways in game one of Friday’s double header against Alexandria. They scored all five of their runs in the first two innings in support of a great effort on the mound. Eric Stout (Butler) pitched five innings and allowed just one run while picking up yet another win for Waterloo.

Alexandria 6, Waterloo 4 (Game 2, F/7)

The Waterloo Bucks finally saw their winning streak snap late on Friday night at the hands of the Alexandria Blue Anchors. The Blue Anchors did it on offense as eight different players gathered hits. Aaron Gretz (Ohio State) led the charge on offense with two hits and a pair of RBI.

Saturday Schedule:

Duluth vs. Mankato- 6:05
St. Cloud vs. Thunder Bay- 6:05
La Crosse vs. Wisconsin- 6:35
Wisconsin Rapids vs. Eau Claire- 6:35
Madison vs. Lakeshore- 6:35
Battle Creek vs. Green Bay- 7:05
Willmar vs. Rochester- 7:05
Alexandria vs. Waterloo- 7:05