Rain soaked up the majority of the Northwoods League matchups Thursday, leading to several doubleheaders tomorrow, however an improbable comeback took place in Kalamazoo. The Growlers scored 11 runs in the 9th inning, completely the biggest comeback in Northwoods League history. The other game tonight involved the Stingers defeating the Rox, inching closer to the North Division leading Duluth Huskies.
Willmar 5, St. Cloud 2
The Stingers took game one of their home series against the Rox, moving only two games out from first place in the North Division. Willmar 3rd Baseman Justin Thaxton (Pacific) powered the offensive charge going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Starter Tyler Hanson (Minnesota) was strong in his third time taking the mound as he picked up his second victory, tossing six innings, giving up an earned run on four hits while striking out seven batters. Stingers closer Brady Anderson (Florida Gulf Coast) recorded his first save on the campaign, shutting down the 9th inning with two strikeouts. Rox 2nd Baseman Jake Farr (Tennessee Tech) recorded his second straight two-hit game going 2-for-3 with an RBI double. St. Cloud is now tied for 4th place, with a 9-6 record, but only one game behind division-leading Duluth Huskies.
Kalamazoo 12, Waterloo 11
Completing possibly the greatest comeback the Northwoods League has ever seen, the Growlers came into the 9th inning down 11-1, however they scored an improbable eleven runs in the final frame, as they defeated Waterloo. Drawn out by a few rain delays, the game ended past midnight, and there was certainly some magic in the air, giving Kalamazoo their fifth victory of the season. Kalamazoo Shortstop Kory Young (Michigan State) recorded his first home run of the season as he hit a two-run shot in the 9th, but Right Fielder Jon Soteropulos (California) was the hero of this unbelievable comeback, singling home Marquise Gill (Eastern Michigan) and subsequently ended the ballgame. Bucks 1st Baseman Adam McGinnis (Western Illinois) recorded his first home run of the season, while finishing with four RBIs, as the Bucks fell to 10-7 on the season.
Thunder Bay vs. Eau Claire (Postponed)
Tonight’s game between Thunder Bay and Eau Claire was cancelled due to rain. Both teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow with the first game starting at 5:05 PM.
Lakeshore vs. Madison (Postponed)
Tonight’s game between Lakeshore and Madison was cancelled due to rain. Both teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow with the first game starting at 5:05 PM.
Alexandria vs. Rochester (Postponed)
Tonight’s doubleheader between Alexandria and Rochester was cancelled due to rain. Both teams will move the doubleheader to tomorrow with the first game starting at 6:05 PM. The second postponed game scheduled for tomorrow has been scheduled for July 18th when Rochester visits Alexandria, creating a doubleheader.
Kenosha vs. La Crosse (Postponed)
Tonight’s game between Kenosha and La Crosse was cancelled due to rain. Both teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow with the first game starting at 6:05 PM.
Battle Creek vs. Wisconsin Rapids (Postponed)
Tonight’s game between Battle Creek and Wisconsin Rapids was cancelled due to rain. Both teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow starting at 5:05 PM.
Duluth vs. Mankato (Postponed)
Tonight’s game between Duluth and Mankato was cancelled due to rain. Both teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow starting at 6:05 PM.
Friday’s Schedule
Battle Creek @ Wisconsin Rapids 5:05/7:05 PM (Doubleheader)
Kenosha @ La Crosse 6:05/8:05 PM (Doubleheader)
Alexandria @ Rochester 6:05/8:05 PM (Doubleheader)
Duluth @ Mankato 6:05/8:05 PM (Doubleheader)
Wisconsin @ Green Bay 6:35 PM
Thunder Bay @ Eau Claire 7:05 PM
Lakeshore @ Madison 7:05 PM
Waterloo @ Kalamazoo 7:05 PM
St. Cloud @ Willmar 7:05 PM