Kenosha, Wis. – Five batters into the bottom of the first inning, the Kenosha Kingfish already held a 4-0 lead and they never looked backed, claiming a 6-4 victory over the St. Cloud Rox in Game 1 of the Northwoods League Summer Collegiate World Series. The Kingfish hold a 1-0 series lead with the series now shifting to St. Cloud for Game 2 and, if necessary, Game 3.
The Kingfish (48-24, 3-0) wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, striking for four runs in the first inning. Eric Filia drove in Zach Weigel with a sacrifice fly to center field. Jeremy Vasquez followed with a ground rule double to put runners on second and third. Pat McInerney stepped in and launched a three-run home run to deep left center field to make it 4-0 Kenosha. McInerney now has two home runs and seven RBI thru three playoff games this August.
Alex Dunlap singled home McInerney to put the Kingfish ahead 5-0 in the third inning. The Rox (49-23, 2-1) struck back for one in the fourth on an RBI double by Webb Bobo. Down 6-1 in the eighth inning, the Rox plated three runs, highlighted by a two RBI single by John Sansone. St. Cloud threatened with two men on in the ninth, but always-reliable Ryan Orr shut the door with a strikeout.
The Kingfish banged out a franchise playoff record 13 hits on the night. Weigel led the team with three hits and he also scored a run. Vasquez recorded two hits and a pair of runs. McInerney homered and drove in four runs in the Kingfish victory.
P.J. Schuster was impressive in his start for Kenosha. The Northwoods League All-Star worked seven innings, allowing one run and striking out six batters while earning the victory. Brett Shimanovsky and J.D. Nielsen pitched two and two thirds innings in relief. Orr notched the save by recording the final out before a raucous crowd at Simmons Field.
The Kingfish chased Rox starter Sheldon Miks in the first inning after he allowed four runs in just one third of an inning in a losing effort. Brett DeGange and Collin Strall came on in relief and gave up two runs in a combined seven and two thirds innings pitched. Sansone led the Rox offensively with his two hits and two RBI.
St. Cloud will host Game 2 Friday, August 14th at 7:05 p.m. and if necessary, Game 3 on Saturday, August 15th at 6:05 p.m.
