Rounding out the first post All-Star break week, the divisional leaders continue to dispose of anyone they face, as St. Cloud won their third straight contest, while Kenosha routed Battle Creek, extending their win streak to four games. La Crosse took a critical series sweep from Green Bay, moving into second place in the overall South standings. Although Thunder Bay is sitting in last place in the North, they continue to play spoiler, winning their last four games as well.
Kalamazoo 6, Wisconsin Rapids 4
The Growlers scored all of their runs in the 3rd inning as they finally broke their losing streak, and advanced to 6-19 in the South Division. Kalamazoo was led by Justin Fletcher’s (Northern Illinois) three hits, while Jordan Stading (Houston) and Alex Gosser (Arkansas) each knocked in two RBIs. T.J. Cerven (Kalamazoo Valley C.C.) picked up his first victory of the season, throwing six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out a batter. Rapids right fielder Sam Tolleson (Central Florida) got on base three times in the loss, going 1-for-2 with two walks and two RBIs, as the Rafters dropped to 9-12 in the second half.
Rochester 3, Waterloo 2
Rochester scored all three runs in the first inning, holding on for their eleventh victory, snapping their five game losing streak and splitting the series with Waterloo. Starter Joshua Pigg (Hawaii) tossed six innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits, striking out a pair of batters, picking up his second victory of the year. Honkers’ 1st baseman Dempsey Grover (UC Santa Barbara) went 1-for-2 with an RBI double, while Joe DeRoche-Duffin (UConn) added an RBI, giving him 26 on the year. Waterloo’s All-Star shortstop Zach McKinstry (Central Michigan) went 2-for-3 in the matinee, while his team fell to .500 at 11-11.
Alexandria 7, Duluth 6
After a valiant Duluth comeback tied the game at six in the 7th inning, Alexandria responded with the go-ahead run in the bottom half, resulting in the series stalemate. The Blue Anchors were paced on offense by the contingent of All-Stars Steve Sada (Miami Ohio) and Jake Merrigan (North Carolina) who combined for three hits, three RBIs, and three runs scored, while Trooper Reynolds (Dallas Baptist) hit a solo shot, giving him home runs in four straight contests. Ciji Ramos (Arkansas) only threw 1/3 of an inning in relief, but was granted his third victory, while closer Kody Knaus (Concordia St. Paul) collected his second save, throwing the final two outs of the ballgame. Duluth’s shortstop Nick Valaika (UCLA) recorded his fourth home run of the season, finishing with three RBIs, while Jean Figueroa (West Florida) added four hits in a losing effort.
Lakeshore 2, Madison 1
Lakeshore plated a run in the 7th inning, taking the series sweep in upsetting fashion against the Mallards, improving to 11-16. The Chinooks pitching staff shut down the hot-hitting Mallards throughout, as Marshall Kasowski (Houston) allowed a run through 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven batters, while reliever Connor Jones (Georgia) received his first victory, throwing 3 1/3 shutout innings, punching out four batters. Mark Kolozsvary (Florida) and Andrew Shaps (Arizona State) each went 2-for-3 with an RBI, leading their team to victory. Madison’s catcher Bryce Carter (Stanford) was the only Mallards batter to provide any offensive support, going 1-for-3 with an RBI, falling four games behind Kenosha in the South.
La Crosse 4, Green Bay 3
La Crosse extended their win streak to three games, remaining two games behind Kenosha in the South Division, as they took the series against Green Bay, moving into second place amongst the overall standings as well. Loggers’ outfielder Will Savage (Columbia) went 2-for-3 with a walk, while Jordan Zimmerman (Mesa C.C.) added his 43rd RBI of his stellar 2015 season. Alex Shake (Illinois Central) picked up another victory, throwing six innings, allowing two runs (none earned), five hits and struck out a trio of batters. Green Bay’s left fielder Brian Celsi (California) went 2-for-4 with an RBI, as the Bullfrogs dropped into fourth place and five games behind the leading Kingfish.
St. Cloud 6, Eau Claire 0
The Rox just keep rolling along throughout the North Division, holding Eau Claire to just one hit throughout the entire game, and taking the series sweep. Starter Lucas Gilbreath (Minnesota) earned Pitcher of the Night, throwing seven shutout innings, allowing just the one hit, and striking out five as he advanced his record to a perfect 4-0. The Rox 8-9 hitters paced the offense to victory as Brett Pope (Western Carolina) knocked in a pair of runs, while Connor Crane (McNeese State) went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Eau Claire’s Michael Papierski (LSU) was the lone Express batter to record a hit, falling back to 10-13 for the second stanza.
Thunder Bay 13, Wisconsin 9 (14 Innings)
In a wild back-and-forth affair, the Border Cats ended up on top, sweeping their interleague series in Wisconsin, scoring six runs in the top of the 14th inning, and holding off the Woodchucks. In an offensive showdown, Thunder Bay’s Tyler Green (Vanderbilt) and Joe Gellenbeck (Xavier) each recorded four hits, combining for five runs, while Max Dutto (California) and Alan Baldwin (Hawaii) provided three RBI nights. Typically a starter, Julian Loret de Mola (Nova Southeastern) entered out of the bullpen in the 10th inning, and completed the game, throwing 3 2/3 innings, allowing two runs, three hits and struck out a pair, taking his third victory. Wisconsin’s shortstop Yusuke Akitoshi (Cal State Northridge) totaled three RBIs, while Keenan Eaton (Wichita State) set a league-high five walks in the game, as Wisconsin fell a game behind .500 at 10-11.
Kenosha 13, Battle Creek 4
Kenosha strolled through their home series against Battle Creek, blowing out the Bombers, and sweeping their second straight series. Five Kingfish batters recorded two hits, while All-Stars Jason Scholl (Eastern Illinois) and Alex Borglin (Central Michigan) both finished with three RBIs on the night. Mario Samuel (UW-Parkside) entered in the 5th inning, throwing an inning of relief, and collected his second victory of 2015. Most of the Battle Creek lineup was held in check throughout, however Hank Truluck (Florida State) had a terrific night, going 3-for-4 with a double and scoring twice, while the Bombers own a 6-17 record.
Mankato 4, Willmar 3
The MoonDogs scored a pair of runs to take the lead in the 7th inning, holding on for the series sweep and shocking the first half champion Willmar Stingers. Mankato’s Craig Nennig (Ohio State) won Player of the Night honors, leading his team with three hits and three RBIs, and hitting his fourth home run of the season. Jack Czeszewski (Illinois State) entered in the 7th inning, and earned his third victory in three straight relief appearances, throwing 2/3 of an inning and striking out one. Willmar’s Eddie Estrada (Minnesota) continues to be one of the hottest hitters in the Northwoods League as just a graduated senior from high school, going 4-for-5 with an RBI and scoring twice.
Monday’s Schedule
Rochester @ Duluth 6:35 PM
St. Cloud @ Thunder Bay 7:05 PM
Willmar @ Alexandria 7:05 PM
Wisconsin Rapids @ Green Bay 7:05 PM
Battle Creek @ La Crosse 7:05 PM
Madison @ Kalamazoo 7:05 PM
Wisconsin @ Kenosha 7:05 PM
Eau Claire @ Waterloo 7:05 PM
Lakeshore @ Mankato 7:05 PM
