The Willmar Stingers remain the lone team in first place in the North standings, sweeping their road series against Rochester. Madison walked off against the Kingfish, handing Kenosha their first back-to-back losses on the 2015 season. La Crosse stole game two in Kalamazoo in 14 innings, as they continue to push through for a playoff spot in the North.
Madison 4, Kenosha 2
Heading into the bottom of the 9th down 2-0, the Mallards completed an incredible comeback as left fielder Collin Theroux (Delta College) hit a three-run home run, which led to Madison winning in walk-off fashion. Making his Mallards debut, Theroux made it a memorable one as his game winner resulted in the series sweep of the division-leading Kingfish, moving his team into a tie for second place. Corbin Olmstead (North Florida) was stellar out of the bullpen, throwing 2 1/3 innings of shutout ball and struck out two as he picked up his second win of the season. Kingfish 2nd baseman Mitch Gasbarro (Eastern Illinois) got on base three times tonight, while contributing two hits, as Kenosha was swept for the first time in 2015, however they continue to possess a solid lead amongst South by 4 ½ games.
Alexandria 10, Thunder Bay 5
The Blue Anchors enjoyed another hit parade in Thunder Bay, taking the series sweep over their divisional opponent. Matt Hopfner (Northwestern) charged the Alexandria offense, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, and has recorded at least one hit in six of the seven games he’s played in. Blue Anchors starter Max Knutson (Nebraska) went five innings, allowed a run on seven hits, while striking out seven, advancing his record to 2-2. Border Cats catcher Nate Nolan (St. Mary’s) contributed two hits and two runs, adding his third bomb of the season, as his team fell to 11-13 in the first half.
Battle Creek 7, Wisconsin Rapids 4
Battle Creek held off a late Rafters rally in the 9th, as they split their road series in Wisconsin Rapids, carried by a pair of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. Bombers starter Alex Hermeling collected his third victory of the season, going five innings, allowing two runs, comically increasing his ERA to 0.81, and struck out three. Bombers catcher Spencer Hemphill helped out his collegiate teammate, experiencing a fantastic day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs while smashing his first home run on the campaign. Rapids center fielder Jake Sandlin (Georgia College) continues to build on his stellar first half, registering two hits and two runs as the Rafters fell to 12-12, and a tie for fifth in the South standings.
Green Bay 6, Lakeshore 2
In a battle for the second playoff spot in the South, the Bullfrogs took game two of the series, picking up a big road win in Mequon. Green Bay left fielder Robb Paller (Columbia) provided a nice night at the dish in his Northwoods League debut, going 1-for-3 and scored twice. Green Bay’s Ryan Radue improved his record to 2-0 with an assertive start off the mound, giving up just two hits over 5 1/3 innings pitched and struck out seven batters. Lakeshore starter Lake Bachar (UW-Whitewater) turned in a solid performance, going six innings allowing two earned runs and fanned eight, but was outdueled by his counterpart, as he was handed his first loss of the year.
Eau Claire 7, Mankato 5
The Express scored two runs in the 8th inning, breaking the 5-5 tie and splitting the series against Mankato. Designated hitter Dalton Varsho (UW-Milwaukee) contributed the game-deciding hit, as his RBI double provided enough insurance for his team to pick up their tenth victory. In a stat sheet stuffing performance, Varsho finished the game with a pair of hits, RBIs, and stolen bases. Victor Sanchez entered the 9th, and set the MoonDogs lineup down in order, picking up his fourth save. Mankato’s Mikel Mucha (Wichita State) contributed another multi-hit effort, picking up three hits and an RBI, as he has now recorded a hit in all four games as a MoonDog.
Waterloo 5, St. Cloud 3
Waterloo earned the series split at home as they churned out a slim victory against the Rox. Making his Bucks’ debut was shortstop Taylor Lane (Florida) who was instrumental in the win, hitting a home run and scoring twice. Starter Brian Drapeau posted six strong innings of work, giving up just one run, five hits and struck out two, as he now holds an impressive 3-1 mark on the season. Rox left fielder Joe Tietjen (UNC Asheville) displayed a great showing at the plate, collecting three hits and an RBI, as St. Cloud now falls to a tie for third place with Rochester, sitting only a game out of first place.
Willmar 10, Rochester 5
Another outstanding performance by the Stingers lineup moved them solely into first place in the North as they took the series from the host Rochester Honkers. Stingers Dan Motl (Minnesota) and Sean Beesley (Illinois State) provided a solid 1,2 punch with their bats as they both recorded their first home runs of the year, combining for five RBIs and six runs. Starter Bradley Bailey (North Alabama) coasted to his third victory, backed by some great run support, he only needed five innings, giving up four runs on four hits and struck out a pair of batters. Honkers’ outfielder Scott Schreiber (Nebraska) recorded a three-run home run, giving him his first of the year as Rochester has now fallen into a tie with St. Cloud in the North.
Duluth 8, Wisconsin 1
In game two of interleague play in Wausau, the Huskies bounced back from last night’s loss as they handled the Woodchucks, moving to 15-10. The Duluth duo of Alex Greene (West Florida) and Alex Wojciechowski (Minnesota-Duluth) led the strong display of offense, combining for six hits, three runs and knocking in two RBIs. Starter Bo Hellquist (Minnesota-Duluth) picked up his second consecutive victory, tossing five innings, giving up a run on three hits and punched out seven. Chucks designated hitter Max Ponzurick (Virginia Tech) scored the only run of the game for Wisconsin, while improving his hit streak to four straight games.
La Crosse 9, Kalamazoo 7 (14 Innings)
The Loggers battled back with four runs in the 8th, and two in the 9th as they forced extra innings in Kalamazoo, eventually stealing the win and the series split. Jordan Zimmerman (Mesa C.C.) was absolutely sensational at the plate, hitting two bombs, one being a grand slam and finished with a league-high seven RBIs on the night. Reliever Jordan Jess (Minnesota) picked up his first win, as he continues to be lights out coming out of the pen, as he has not given up a run in 11 2/3 innings of relief. Growlers outfielder Kory Brown (Bowling Green) added a pair of hits and three RBIs in the loss, as Kalamazoo dropped to 7-19 in the first half.
Sunday’s Schedule
Kenosha @ Green Bay 1:05 PM
Wisconsin @ Madison 3:05 PM
Kalamazoo @ Waterloo 3:35 PM
Thunder Bay @ Alexandria 5:05 PM
Willmar @ Duluth 5:05 PM
St. Cloud @ Eau Claire 5:05 PM
Wisconsin Rapids @ Lakeshore 5:05 PM
La Crosse @ Battle Creek 6:05 PM
Rochester @ Mankato 6:05 PM