Growlers can’t hang on to a two run lead heading into ninth

Kenosha Wis., — The Kalamazoo Growlers dropped their sixth straight game in a 4-3 loss against the Kenosha Kingfish.

Despite the loss, the Growlers were led by starter Adam Wheaton (1-3, Trine) who went seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits. Wheaton also struck out a season-high six batters.

Kalamazoo put up one run in the first on a pair of leadoff walks by Austin Knight (Tennessee) and Zack Gelof (UVA). Knight came around to score on an RBI groundout by Rudy Maxwell (Duke).

The Growlers led 1-0 until the sixth when Mike Jarvis (SDSU) knocked in Roberto Pena (Florida) on a single. The one run was a part of three hits in the inning for Kenosha, and the only blemish for Wheaton.

Jake Topolski (Duke) reached base in the seventh on a flyball error by left fielder Connor Mang (New Mexico). Gelof then drove home his ACC rival two at bats later on his seventh double of the summer. 

Clay Owens (U of Southern Cal) knocked in the final run for the Growlers on a single to bring home Gelof.

Kalamazoo maintained the 3-1 lead heading into the ninth, as Eamon Horwedel (4-1, Ohio) came on for the save.

Nate Thomas (St. Josephs) and Zachary Nogalski (UW-Milwaukee) led off the inning with back-to-back singles and moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. 

Thomas scored on a wild pitch during the at bat of Ethan Owens (Drury), who also drove in Nogalski on a single to tie the game at three. Drew Dyer (Chicago St.) ended the game on a single to score Owens for the win.

Brian Polaski (1-0, Carthage) earned the win for Kenosha, while Horwedel recorded his first loss of the year.

The Kalamazoo Growlers return to action tomorrow against the Rockford Rivets at 6:35 p.m. CT, 7:35 p.m. ET. 

 

###

The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Currently in its’ 26th 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, over 200 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (MIA). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.