The Kenosha Kingfish won their fourth consecutive game Friday night, taking down the Lakeshore Chinooks by a score of 3-0. King Elvis’ crew was once again led by dominant starting pitching, this time by right-hander Rico Garcia. The sophomore from Hawaii-Pacific was nearly untouchable, yielding just two hits in seven shutout innings. Garcia would fan ten batters before his night would come to a close.

The Kingfish hitters drew first blood in the contest, plating two runs in the fourth. Following a walk to 1B Zach Ratcliff, Kenosha would piece together three consecutive base hits courtesy of RF Buddy Reed, C Jordan Romero, and DH Steven Sensley. Sensley’s single would score both Ratcliff and Reed. With the score still 2-0 in the seventh, the team would tack on additional insurance when LF Pat Porter’s grounder allowed CF Taylor Douglas to score. Following two quick eighth inning outs from lefty EJ Trapino, the team would call on RHP Paul Schuester to finish the game. The Willowbrook, IL native would strike out two Chinooks on his way earning the save.  

Despite all, tonight’s most valuable player was indisputably Garcia. Taking on the previously unbeaten Colin Wendinger, Garcia was simply spectacular from start to finish. His season stats currently sit at; 2-0, 0.34 ERA, 26 IP, 25 K in four starts. The ERA mark is second best in the NWL, and tops amongst pitchers with at least three starts. The 26 innings pitched are the most of any player in the league as well. Moreover, opponents have tallied just four extra base hits and a lowly .154 batting average against the emerging ace.

Quality performances were also turned in by numerous Kingfish players in the batter’s box. Buddy Reed, Jordan Romero, and Steven Sensley all compiled multiple hits. Pat Porter collected an RBI for the fifth game in a row. 2B Chris Godinez extended his hitting streak to eight, now the second highest active stretch in the NWL. Joining him in that same department was leadoff hitter Taylor Douglas, hitting safely in his seventh consecutive ballgame.

The Kingfish, now 8-8 and winners of four straight, find themselves just 2.5 games back in the South Division. The team has four games remaining on its current road trip as they head next to St. Cloud to take on the Rox. First pitch Saturday is slated for 6:05pm at Joe Faber Field.

Text Stats: http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/boxscoretext.html?gameid=210278