KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Growlers were able to achieve their first 3-game winning streak of the season after their 9-6 comeback victory over the Madison Mallards. The game didn’t seem to be going the Growlers’ way early, as starter Connor Manous was pulled from the game in the second inning after giving up 5 runs and surrendering 4 walks. Kalamazoo’s bullpen took over from there, and they dominated as they only gave up 1 run in the remaining 7.1 innings of work. Zach Vitkuske led the Growlers’ rally as he took over in relief of Manous, and he managed to keep the Mallards baffled with his slow curveball. Vitkuske was able to keep Kalamazoo in the game by only allowing 1 run in 6.1 innings of work with 5 strikeouts, and also got credit for the victory in tonight’s ballgame, as well as earned Northwoods League Pitcher of the Night honors. Walter Talcott entered the ballgame in the 9th today and shut the door on the Mallards as he pitched a 1,2,3 9th with 2 strikeouts.

For the Mallards, starter Heath Renz, had difficulty with control the whole night ending his start with 5 walks. Even with the control issues Renz was somewhat effective in 4.0 innings of work only 2 earned runs, and 3 hits. Madison’s bullpen did not have a good night on the mound as they gave up 7 earned runs in 4.0 innings. Andrew Baker threw 2.0 innings allowing 3 runs, however, only 1 of those runs were earned due to back to back errors to start the 6th inning by Cole Daily, and Cade Bunnell. The losing pitcher in tonight’s ballgame was David Stover who pitched 2.0 innings allowing 4 earned runs, which included the gigantic 2-run homerun by Jeff Riedel which essentially ended the game.

Jeff Riedel had the biggest impact for the Growlers on the offensive end. He went 3 for 3 with 3 RBIs, a double, and a crucial 8th inning 2-run homerun that gave Kalamazoo all the momentum from that point forward. Connor Hollis also had a good night at the plate as he went 2 for 3 with a RBI and 3 runs scored. On the other side, Zac Taylor helped the Mallards to an early lead with a 2 run double in the 2nd inning. Overall, Taylor went 2 for 4 with a double, and 2 RBIs.

Kalamazoo will hit the road and take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks at Athletic Park in Wausau. It will be a brief 4-game road trip and then the Growlers will return to Homer Stryker Field to face the Kenosha Kingfish on July 11th.

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The Kalamazoo Growlers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The 23-year-old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 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 160 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including two-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champion Ben Zobrist (CHC) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM) and Lucas Duda (NYM).  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 or on Google Play and set the Growlers as your favorite team.