Sunday's games provided the league with some exciting finishes and sensational pitching displays as five of the ten contests witnessed a team shutout offensively. Duluth took back their reign in the North, as they swept the series against Rochester, giving them a half game lead amongst the division. Kenosha continues to be red-hot as they defeated Wisconsin, and extend their league-best record to 15-5.
Battle Creek 1, Waterloo 0 (Game One, 7 Innings)
The Bombers scored the lone run of the ballgame in the 5th inning, and limited the Bucks lineup to just two hits, surviving a close victory in game one of their Sunday doubleheader. Battle Creek ace Alex Hermeling (Louisiana-Monroe) was nothing short of fantastic, as the right-hander pitched all seven innings and struck out seven, winning his second game of the season. Tyler Walsh (Belmont) supplied the only flash of offense in the entire game, doubling home the deciding run. Bucks shortstop Mikal Hill (Winston-Salem State) went 1-for-3 with a walk, as Waterloo fell back to 3rd place in the North, with an 11-8 mark.
Waterloo 1, Battle Creek 0 (Game Two, 7 Innings)
Returning the favor from a 1-0 loss in game one, the Bucks defeated the Bombers by scoring the sole run of game two in the top of the 7th, splitting the doubleheader. Waterloo reliever Sean Trimble (Long Beach State) was fantastic out of the bullpen, entering the game in the 4th inning, and going the rest of the way, allowing no runs on just four hits, while punching out two, picking up his second victory of the year. Zach McKinstry (Central Michigan) had a solid second game at the plate with two hits, while swiping his second base of the season. Bombers starter Andrew Mitchell (Delgado C.C.) turned in an impressive pitching performance for his team, tossing six shut out innings, giving up five hits and striking out seven, but took a no decision, receiving no support from his offense.
Willmar 6, St. Cloud 1
Fresh off a slim victory the previous night, the Stingers never trailed during their Sunday matinee, sweeping the host Rox. Stingers left fielder Ky Parrott (James Madison) was impressive at the plate with two hits, an RBI and a run scored. Starter Zach Strecker (Kentucky) delivered a strong performance, advancing his record to 1-1 tossing six innings, giving up a run on three hits, while fanning five batters. Rox 1st Baseman Michael Strem supplied the only offense for his ball club, singling home the lone run, as both St. Cloud and Willmar are now tied for 4th place in the North Division, with 10-8 records.
Green Bay 7, Madison 2
The Bullfrogs opened the game with four runs in the 1st inning and coasted to a series sweep over the Mallards. Green Bay 1st baseman Ryan Donovan (Hofstra) was impressive, recording a double and triple, while driving in a run and scoring twice. Bullfrogs starter Parker Hamilton (Florida Gulf Coast) added a superb effort to the win, going six innings, allowing just two hits, two runs (one earned) on two hits, while striking out four. Mallards leadoff man Anthony Gonsolin (St. Mary’s) recorded a solo home run, his second of the year, while scoring twice as the Mallards continue to slip down the division ranks, losing eight of their last ten games.
Duluth 7, Rochester 3
Duluth scored four runs in the last three innings, taking the series against the Honkers, and taking the North Division lead. Shortstop Matt McLaughlin (Kansas) registered his second home run of the season, while 1st baseman Alex Wojciechowski (Minnesota-Duluth) provided a pair of hits and RBIs to the winning effort. Wojciechowski’s college teammate Bo Hellquist helped lead their team to victory off the mound, going five innings, allowing two runs and two strikeouts, receiving his first victory of the season. Rochester right fielder Joe DeRoche-Duffin (UConn) smashed his fourth home run of the season in the loss, as the Honkers have fallen into 2nd place, sitting just a half game behind Duluth.
Eau Claire 3, Alexandria 0
The Express pitching staff held the Blue Anchors to just five hits throughout, and swept the visiting Blue Anchors. Starter Brody Rodning (Minnesota State) took control of the ballgame, going eight innings, allowing four hits and struck out three, improving his record to 2-1. Eau Claire catcher Nathan Krause (Winona State) enjoyed a nice night at the plate, with two hits, an RBI, and scored once. Blue Anchors right fielder Matt Hopfner (Northwestern) was terrific in his debut with Alexandria, going 3-for-4 as his team has now lost nine of their last ten games, sitting in last place in the North.
Wisconsin Rapids 5, Kalamazoo 0 (Game One, 9 Innings)
Completely the rained-out contest from the previous night, the Rafters took control of game one of the doubleheader, blanking the Growlers. Rapids reliever James Davitt was the story, pitching lights out in 5 1/3 innings of relief, striking out nine batters and retired the last 18 batters of the game. Right fielder Casey Danley (Illinois Central) picked up two hits out of the nine hole, as Wisconsin Rapids improved to 10-7 on the year. Growlers shortstop Kory Young (Michigan State) went 1-for-3 in the loss, as Kalamazoo has been held scoreless in their last 18 innings of play.
Kalamazoo 1, Wisconsin Rapids 0 (Game Two, 7 Innings)
Kalamazoo starter Shane Bryant (Purdue) pitched a masterful one-hit shutout against the Rafters, splitting the series. Bryant went the distance, allowing only four base runners all game and struck out two, moving to 2-1 on the year. Growlers center fielder Kory Brown (Bowling Green) supplied the only form of offense, singling home Bryce Adams (LSU) in the 2nd inning. Rafters 2nd baseman Casey Danley (Illinois Central) contributed the only hit of the night throughout the entire lineup, as Wisconsin Rapids remains in 2nd place in the South.
Kenosha 5, Wisconsin 1
The Kingfish took the two-games series against Wisconsin, as they remain the hottest team in the Northwoods League, winning 12 of their last 14 games. Left fielder Eric Filia (UCLA) led the offense with two hits and two RBIs, improving his batting average to a stellar .380 on the campaign. Returning back to Kenosha was starter Rico Garcia (Hawaii Pacific) making his season debut and was dominant, striking out seven through five innings of work, allowing no runs. Chucks 1st baseman Owen Taylor (Kansas) recorded his first home run of the season, as Wisconsin has now lost seven of their last ten games.
La Crosse vs. Lakeshore (Postponed)
Today’s game between La Crosse and Lakeshore was cancelled due to fog, suspending the game in the 3rd inning, score tied 0-0. The game has been rescheduled for July 9th, and will be completed starting at 4:30 PM, as part of a doubleheader.
Monday’s Schedule
Green Bay @ Wisconsin 5:05/6:35 PM (Doubleheader)
Rochester @ St. Cloud 5:05 PM
Wisconsin Rapids @ Lakeshore 6:35 PM
Eau Claire @ Duluth 6:35 PM
Madison @ Battle Creek 7:05 PM
Kalamazoo @ Kenosha 7:05 PM
Alexandria @ La Crosse 7:05 PM
Rochester @ St. Cloud 7:05 PM
Mankato @ Waterloo 7:05 PM
Willmar @ Thunder Bay 7:05 PM