ROYAL OAK, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Growlers (35-33; 18-15) gave up seven unanswered runs to open the ballgame and were unable to muster offense in an 11-3 loss to the Royal Oak Leprechauns (34-34; 17-15) on Tuesday night.
Hayden Scalf opened on the bump for Kalamazoo, and would allow a two-out single followed by a Jovan Gill two run blast to give the Leprechauns an early lead. Following a scoreless second, Scalf would allow another run, but have two outs with two on, before Ryan Tyranski would leave the yard for the second time in the series, and the Leprechauns fifth time in the first two games, to give Royal Oak a 6-0 lead.
The third inning would see Kalamazoo’s first baserunner, with KJ White being left on first, as well as the first move to the bullpen, with Ben Van Nes entering for an inning of one-run ball. A scoreless fourth would lead into Hudson Lubbers allowing his first run of the season, and the Leprechauns taking a 8-0 lead. Two more Royal Oak runs in the sixth would move the game 10-0, with the sixth inning runs off Gage Vota.
The seventh would see Kalamazoo score their first runs, off a two-out E5 from the bat of Isaac Vanderwoude that scored Gabe Springer and made the score 10-1. The Leprechauns would score again in the seventh, off Drew Duckhorn, while the Growlers offense would battle and score two, but end the game in the top of the ninth with a 11-3 final.
Over the course of the game, Kalamazoo used six total pitchers, with seven innings being eaten by the bullpen. However, no pitcher threw 50 or more pitches, meaning all seven arms are available by the league pitch count rules for the remainder of the season. The Leprechauns used four total pitchers, with Brody Fahnestock locking down the win with six innings of shutout ball.
The Royal Oak win keeps the Leprechauns firmly in the playoff race, moving themselves within one game of the Growlers. Kalamazoo and Royal Oak play a two-game set at Homer Stryker Field on Wednesday and Thursday night, with both games pivotal for the playoff race. A Growler sweep would clinch a playoff appearance, with a split giving Kalamazoo a one game lead entering the final series of the regular season, while a Royal Oak sweep would give the Leprechauns that advantage. With their win Tuesday night, the Leprechauns clinched the tiebreaker should it come into play.
The two-game set begins Wednesday night with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET. The game will be available on Northwoods League +.
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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.