KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Growlers (36-34; 19-16) fell 12-10 in a roller-coaster ballgame against the Royal Oak Leprechauns (35-35; 18-16) in a game that saw 31 total hits on Thursday night.
The first inning continued to be dominated by Royal Oak, scoring two off four hits before leaving the bases loaded against Kalamazoo starter Brendan Burch. Unlike previous games, the Growlers were unable to answer, going scoreless against Leprechaun’s starter Jovan Gill. Burch would struggle again in the second, allowing a leadoff homer off the foul pole to Aidan Schuck, before Kalamazoo would move within two in the bottom of the second, with Matthew Thompson scoring on a JD Crisp RBI groundout.
The Leprechauns would tee off Burch in the third, scoring five runs, including Schuck leaving the yard for the second time for a grand slam. Burch would end his day with just 2.1 innings of eight run ball, and an 8-1 deficit. The fourth inning would see Royal Oak score two off Hudson Lubbers extending their lead to 10-1. Gage Vota would pitch a scoreless fifth, sixth, and seventh for Kalamazoo, while Jovan Gill would end his day for the Leprechauns with five innings of one run ball. One run in the Kalamazoo half of the sixth and the scoreless top of the seventh would lead into the chaos.
The bottom of the seventh would see the Growlers send 11 batters to the dish, including a Matthew Thompson bases clearing triple to move Kalamazoo within two runs. The Growlers would amass three hits, five free passes, and face three pitchers in the long inning. Donny Tober would come out of the Growler ‘pen in a suddenly competitive 10-8 game, and would allow three hits with two runs coming across, moving the advantage for the Leprechauns 12-8.
Kalamazoo would ride three errors en route to gaining the runs back, taking a 12-10 game into the ninth. Tober would allow a single with two outs, but escape unscathed, before Nick Brady, would exit for his third inning of work and sit Kalamazoo down 1-2-3, with some help from a diving catch by Preston Leon to end the ballgame.
The Royal Oak win extends the Leprechauns season at least one more day, as they require one more win than Kalamazoo over the final two games of the season. The Growlers will face Battle Creek at home, while the Leprechauns will face the first half champion Traverse City Pit Spitters.
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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.