Tonight the Kingfish matchup with the Lakeshore Chinooks for the second of a two game set at Kapco Park. The contest pits two undefeated right-handers against each other in Rico Garcia of the Kingfish and Colin Wendinger of the Chinooks. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm in Mequon.
The Kingfish look to win their fourth straight contest tonight when the aforementioned Garcia takes the mound. The Hawaiian has been spectacular during his time in Kenosha, allowing just one run in 19 innings pitched. In that time he has struck out 15 batters while walking just four. His 0.47 ERA ranks second best in the entire Northwoods League.
Garcia will look to his teammates to have his back at the plate. The lineup features several batters with impressive ongoing streaks. OF Caleb Howell has reached base safely in his last 11 games. 2B Chris Godinez sports a seven game hit streak, the fourth longest active streak in the NWL. OF Taylor Douglas is not far behind, as he has hit safely in his last six. 1B/OF Pat Porter has knocked in multiple RBI in four consecutive contests as well. As a team, the Kingfish will look to put the ball in play against a Lakeshore defense that has committed 26 errors this season.
Yesterday King Elvis’ bunch took down the South Division leaders by a count of 4-1. The Kingfish were led by a dominant performance from lefty J.D. Nielsen as he went seven strong innings, allowing just 4 hits and no runs. The freshman from Illinois had his best stuff all night, keeping batters guessing with precise off-speed pitches. He was aided by a key three run first inning in which CF Douglas, LF Porter, and 1B Zach Ratcliff all came around to score. Kenosha would tally an additional insurance run in the fifth when Chris Godinez made his way home on a Porter two-out double. After a Lakeshore run in the eighth, Steven Klimek would toss a scoreless ninth to earn his second save of the year.
The team’s next home date is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18th, as the team welcomes the Chinooks to Kenosha for the first time. The home game features “Halloween in June” presented by Racine Factory of Fear. Fans 12 and under will have the opportunity to trick-or-treat on the field after the game, and all fans are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes. “Smith and Forge Wrestling Night” will be taking place on Thursday the 19th. Among other wrestling-themed promotions throughout the night, a special appearance will be made by WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. He will be autographing “two by four” pieces of wood for fans.
