LOVES PARK, IL. — The Kalamazoo Growlers (34-31; 17-13) rode a strong start and bright offensive play to a 14-5 victory over the Rockford Rivets (25-37; 12-18) on Saturday night.
The game would open with five strong innings for Kalamazoo, taking a 7-0 lead into the sixth, with Jack Crittendon shoving on the bump. The offense was led by the bottom third of the order, with Matthew Thompson, Mike Sprockett, and JD Crisp combining to go 0-0 with four walks, a sacrifice bunt, and sacrifice fly through five innings. Overall, against Rivets starter James Davis Gaston, the Growlers earned seven walks and scored five runs in Gaston’s 2.1 innings.
Following two runs in the top of the inning, the bottom of the sixth would see the end of Jack Crittendon’s day, with four runs coming across on eight batters and Donny Tober called on to clean up the remainder of the mess. The 9-4 score wouldn’t hold long, as Kalamazoo would score one in the seventh, and four in the eighth to give the Growlers a 14-4 lead heading into the ninth.
The stars for the Growlers came in the bottom five spots in the order, with those spots combining for nine hits, nine walks, 11 runs, and eight RBI’s. The offense as a whole added just one more hit, but seven more walks. The Kalamazoo offense has loved facing the Rivets, averaging 11.7 runs through the teams first 11 matchups this summer.
Jack Crittendon earned the win, his seventh of the season which ties Eamon Horwedel’s 2024 mark. The win also made Crittendon the first Growler pitcher to earn a win against every division opponent in a singular season since the current format was adopted. The right-hander is next slated to start against Battle Creek on Friday, but could be moved depending on the state of Kalamazoo’s playoff hopes.
Speaking on those hopes, Saturday night saw a Battle Creek (now 4.0 GB) loss and Royal Oak (3.0 GB) splitting a double-header against Kenosha. The Growlers will play their final game against Rockford in a Sunday matinee, with first pitch scheduled for 2:05 p.m. ET.
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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.