ROYAL OAK, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Growlers (35-32; 18-14) fell short in a 14-10 barnburner against the Royal Oak Leprechauns (33-34; 16-15) in the first game of a pivotal four-game set on Monday night.
The scoring would open for the Leprechauns in the first off Growler starter Brendan Garza who would face seven batters with the pivotal hit coming off the bat of Patrick Ilitch, who would bring in two runs with his double. Kalamazoo would answer in the second with one off a double steal, but back-to-back solo home runs by Preston Leon and Ryan Tyranski would give the home team a 6-1 lead.
That was until the top of the third. A nine batter inning would be fueled by a Mike Sprockett bases-clearing double that would help retie the game at six runs apiece. Despite his struggles, Brendan Garza would pitch a scoreless third as Kalamazoo would take the lead for the first time in the fourth, before Garza would allow the game to be retied, as Dylan Larkins became the third Leprechaun to leave the park and tie the game at seven.
Kalamazoo would take an 8-7 lead in the fifth off the bat of KJ White and add on in the sixth with two runs, momentarily taking a 10-7 lead. It wouldn’t last long, as Will Juday would struggle in the sixth, getting just one out before being tagged for four earned runs, with Donny Tober entering to grab the final two outs. The first scoreless inning in the game would come in the seventh, before the Growlers would be sat down 1-2-3 in the eighth. Tober would labor in the bottom of the inning, allowing three runs on 40 pitches, before Josh Kasner, who would earn the save, went 1-2-3 in the ninth to secure a 14-10 Royal Oak win.
Ultimately, the victory proved pivotal for the Leprechauns, who require a series victory at the least to maintain their life in the Great Lakes East playoff race. Kalamazoo remains with a 2.0 game cushion, but every game provides more and more pressure for the Growlers who are aiming to make the playoffs for the sixth time in seven tries since 2018.
Kalamazoo and Royal Oak will play their final game at Memorial Park in 2025 on Tuesday night, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET. The Growlers and Leprechauns head to Kalamazoo for the final two games of the series, before staying to play Battle Creek and heading to Traverse City respectively.
###
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.