The Kenosha Kingfish took down the Lakeshore Chinooks by a count of 4-1 Thursday night at Kapco Park. The Kingfish were led by a stellar performance from left-handed starter JD Nielsen, who pitched seven innings allowing just four hits and no runs. His steady diet of first pitch strikes and accurate off-speed pitches kept the Chinooks off balance all night.

The Kingfish lineup got going right away in tonight’s contest, putting up three runs in the top of the first. After a leadoff single from centerfielder Taylor Douglas, the team put together three consecutive two-out hits to give their starter an early 3 run cushion. With the 3-0 lead still intact in the fifth, second baseman Chris Godinez singled to push his hitting streak to seven. He would come around to score on a Pat Porter opposite field double, making the score 4-0. The RBI was Porter’s team-leading 16^th of the season. This also marked the fourth consecutive game that the Buckeye has recorded multiple RBI.

After the Chinooks tallied a run in the eighth, manager Duffy Dyer sent righty Steven Klimek to the hill to close out the ninth. Klimek would finish the job and record the save, as he did not allow a hit in the final frame. The winning pitcher in the contest was Nielsen, with the loss going to Lakeshore lefty Cam Vieaux.

Tonight’s most valuable player was undoubtedly the 6’6” Nielsen as he kept the hot Chinook bats quiet all evening. Top performers at the dish were the aforementioned Porter (2-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB), catcher CJ Saylor (2-3, HBP), and first baseman Zack Ratcliff (H, R, RBI).

The Kingfish, now 7-8, find themselves just 3.5 games back of the South Division leading Chinooks. Taking the bump tomorrow is Rico Garcia. In his three starts, Garcia has allowed just one run and has fanned 15 batters. His 0.47 ERA is the second best mark in the Northwoods League. First pitch for tomorrow’s contest at Kapco Park is slated for 7:05pm.