KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Growlers (32-30; 15-12) fell to the Traverse City Pit Spitters (41-20; 20-7) in the teams final regular season matchup in 2025.
The two teams are currently slated to face-off in the first round of the Northwoods League playoffs at seasons end, but the Pit Spitters took the overall regular season series eight games to four. Following an emotional finish on Monday night, Traverse City would come out swinging, while Kalamazoo would struggle offensively and look sluggish on the other side of the ball.
In the first, the Pit Spitters would leadoff the game with a run two batters in, as Jacob Kucharczyk would come home on an Aaron Piasecki sacrifice fly. The second run of the inning would come via another sac fly, this one off the bat of Cade Collins. Traverse City would score another in the third, with Cole Prout going the other way for a solo shot. The Growlers would score for the first time in the fourth, off a Mike Sprockett RBI single to move the score to 3-1.
In a spot start, Hayden Scalf was impressive through five, allowing just the three runs through five innings, but would start to struggle in the fifth. The Pit Spitters would score four in the sixth, sending 10 batters to the plate before leaving the bases loaded as Drew Duckhorn would manage the final out. Scalf’s final line would not be representative of his true performance, ending the day with 5.2 innings of work while allowing nine hits and seven earned runs.
The Growlers would find success following the stretch, as the first five batters would reach, before Brodey Acres would be caught stealing second for the first out of the inning, before the final two batters would strikeout, limiting Kalamazoo’s success to just three runs, making the score 7-4. Traverse City would add a run in the eighth and Trent Reed would sit down the Growlers 1-2-3 in the ninth and give the Pit Spitters their eighth win in the 131 Rivalry Series this summer.
Maybe the most impressive feat of the night for Traverse City was the zero strikeouts they amassed over their 27 batting outs. Scalf, Duckhorn, Holder, Burch, and Juday failed to sit a Pit Spitters down via the “K” as Traverse City forced the Kalamazoo defense to work. The Growlers and Pit Spitters will both enjoy a day off on Wednesday before heading into their final 10 games of the season.
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The Kalamazoo Growlers are a premier collegiate summer baseball team competing in the Northwoods League. Since their inaugural season in 2014, the Growlers have quickly become a beloved part of the Kalamazoo community, known for their exciting games, dedicated fans, and unique ballpark experience. The Growlers have a history of pushing the boundaries of baseball entertainment. From viral promotions like “Coach Drake” and “The Streaker” to unique giveaways and themed nights, the team consistently delivers unforgettable experiences for fans of all ages. The Growlers have clinched two Northwoods League championships in 2022 and 2024, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in the league. Their passionate fan base and dedicated players have fueled their success on the field, creating memorable moments that will be cherished for years to come. Beyond baseball, the Growlers are committed to giving back to the Kalamazoo community. The team actively participates in charitable initiatives, supports local businesses, and fosters a positive impact on the region. For more information, please visit growlersbaseball.com
The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 380 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network.