Kenosha, WI – The Kalamazoo Growlers couldn’t find consistent life on offense on Opening Day, falling to the Kenosha Kingfish 2-0 at Historic Simmons Field. 

The Growlers put three pitchers on the mound in the opener, all earning at least three strikeouts. Starter Tyler Johnson only went one frame but didn’t give up a hit, allowing one unearned run, and a walk while striking out all three batters he retired. 

Last year’s Northwoods League Championship starter for the Growlers Jerad Berkenpas relieved Johnson following the first frame going five innings of work giving up six hits, one earned run and while striking out four. Returner Mason Meeks would finish the day with two scoreless frames, striking out three.

Kingfish right fielder Tucker Zdunich scored both runs in the ballgame for Kenosha. An infield error in the first inning brought home Zdunich and then the lefty added the second run on a solo home run in the sixth inning.

The Growlers’ offense struggled striking out 16 times. This is just the second time that the Growlers have scored less than four runs on opening day and the first time ever they have been shut out. Kalamazoo will be back at Historic Simmons Field tomorrow, May 29 to take on the Kingfish looking to split the opening series. You can watch the game live on the Northwoods League Network. First pitch at 7:35 p.m. ET.

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The Kalamazoo Growlers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 29th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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, 300 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 World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.growlersbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Growlers as your favorite team.