KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Growlers struggled to get their bats going early on in tonight's game. Devin Pellien (Nova Southeastern) was able to keep Kalamazoo in the game as he only allowed two earned runs in his six innings on the mount. The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, however, mounted a late comeback and won this one by a score of 6-3 in ten innings.

The Rafters were able to get the first run of the game in the top half of the second inning. Doak Dozier was able to deliver a base hit for Wisconsin Rapids that brought Dustin Woodcock across home plate. 

Kalamazoo took control in the sixth inning. They were able to take advantage of two throwing errors by the Rafters in the bottom of the sixth and had three runners score in the frame. Nick Hutchins (Southern Illinois) got the scoring going by driving in Connor Kopach (Southern Illinois) following a throwing error by Wisconsin Rapids shortstop, Demetrius Sims. David Hensley (San Diego State) followed the error up with a base hit to bring in Hutchins. The final run of the inning came off the bat of Jordan Verdon (San Diego State) as he was able to drive in his fellow Aztec teammate on a base hit of his own. 

Wisconsin Rapids was able to begin their comeback in the final few innings of regulation. Jacson McGowan drove in Dustin Woodcock in the seventh inning on a fielder's choice that resulted in a double play for the Growlers. A wild pitch by the Growlers allowed Brandon Polizzi to cross home and tie the game at three in the ninth inning. 

The Rafters were able to complete their comeback in the first extra inning thanks to three runs driven in by Woodcock and Sims. 

Both starting pitchers delivered quality starts for their respective teams. Pellien struck out seven in his six innings of work and only allowed two runs on five hits. Jake Repavich was stellar for the Rafters as he took a no-hitter into the fifth inning. Repavich's night was done after six innings of work on the mound as he allowed three runs on four hits and struck out two hitters. 

These two teams will be back in action tomorrow at Homer Stryker Field. The game is scheduled to begin at 3:05 p.m. and will feature Archeology Night presented by UniQ Jewelry Gallery. Kevin Marnon (Ball State) will be on the mound for the Growlers for the Sunday afternoon contest.

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The Kalamazoo Growlers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 23rd season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 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, more than 150 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.growlersbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store and set the Growlers as your favorite team.