Kalamazoo, Mich- The Kalamazoo Growlers will begin their second straight four-game road trip, beginning with the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The Growlers will be looking to play spoiler as the Woodchucks, who sit just 2.5 games back of the top spot in the South Division are still fighting to earn a playoff spot. The Growlers will have to get the offense going as in their last meeting with the Woodchucks managed just six runs.

GAME INFORMATION

Who: Kalamazoo Growlers (11-18) at Wisconsin Woodchucks (17-11)

When: Thursday, June 26 at 8:05p.m. and Friday, June 27 at 8:05 p.m.

Where: Athletic Park

Watch on kalamzoogrowlers.com under the Watch Live section: http://northwoodsleague.com/kalamazoo-growlers/video/watch-games-live/

Gameday: http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/scoreboard.html?leagueid=120&seasonid=28661

Twitter: Follow @kzoogrowlers for updates

Facebook: Updates throughout the game for the ultimate fan experience.

PROBABLE STARTERS

Thursday, June 26: LHP Luke Bolka (0-2, 12.19 ERA) vs. Andy Ravel (0-0, 3.00 ERA)

Luke Bolka (East Carolina) will be making his fourth start of the season and six appearance overall. Bolka’s last start only lasted 2.2 innings, giving up five runs on seven hits. Bolka had his best start of the season back on May 31 against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters where he gave up just four hits and struck out five.

Friday, June 27: RHP Nick Wernke (0-3, 6.11 ERA) vs. TBA

Nick Wernke (West Virginia) in his five starts this season hasn’t given up more than five hits and four earned runs. His best start was against the Lakeshore Chinooks on June 3, where he went four strong innings, giving up two earned runs and five strikeouts.

Lineups will be posted to Facebook and Twitter prior to first pitch

LAST TIME THEY MET

All-time series- 0-2

Thursday, June 26: Wisconsin 8, Kalamazoo 1

Box Score

Friday June,  27: Wisconsin, 10, Kalamazoo 5

Box Score

NORTHWOODS LEAGUE RANKINGS

Batting

• Batting average- .270 (2^nd)
• Runs scored- 149 (6^th)
• Hits- 260 (2^nd)
• Triples – 11 (1^st)
• Home Runs – 13 (7^th)
• RBI’s – 130 (3^rd)

Pitching

• Earned Runs – 152 (16^th)
• Hits – 257 (13^th)
• Walks  – 1141 (1^st)
• Strikeouts – 173 (15^th)
• Innings Pitched – 245.1 (12^th)

GAME NOTES

• Ryan Bull has been hot at the plate lately, going 4-for-8 (.500) with three run home run against the Kenosha Kingfish. Bull is hitting a solid .287 with three home runs and 13 RBI’s on the season
• The last time the Growlers and the Woodchucks played each other, the Growlers registered six runs on 10 hits during the two-game series. The Growlers left 13 men on base during the series.
• In their last outing, the Growlers beat the Kingfish, 9-4 behind a stellar performance from RHP Ryan Smoyer (Notre Dame) who turned in the best start of the year for any pitcher. Smoyer went 7.1 innings, allowing six hits and giving up just two earned runs.

NORTHWOODS LEAGUE HONORS

-Player of the Night

• June 1- Nick Yarnall (3-4, HR, 3 R, BB)
• June 15- Jared Kujawa (3-4, RBI, R)

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

The Growlers will return home on June 30, for a home and home series against the rival Battle Creek Bombers. The first game will begin at noon, where it is Skip Work Day at the ballpark. The night will conclude as the Growlers will travel cross town and face the Bombers in Battle Creek.

Fourth of July is also right around the corner and the Growlers will have the ONLY Fireworks show in Kalamazoo. Read more about this incredible night here:http://northwoodsleague.com/kalamazoo-growlers/2014/06/26/growlers-to-hold-only-fireworks-show-in-kalamazoo/