As a result of a rainout on Monday, the Kingfish and the Moondogs will play two today at Franklin Rogers Park. Both games will last just seven innings (barring the need for extras), with the first contest beginning at 5:05pm and the second starting 30 minutes immediately afterward. Coming off their fifth and sixth consecutive wins Sunday, the Kingfish look to sweep their second doubleheader in three days. Probable Kingfish pitchers for the contests are Zach Morgenstern and Trevor Haas.
The Kingfish have put together their South Division-high six straight wins behind top-notch performances on the mound and in the batter’s box. King Elvis’ squad has notched at least ten runs twice during the streak, while holding opponents to three or less runs five times. They have outscored the opposition by a combined tally of 35-15 during the stretch. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that the Kingfish have trailed during just four innings in the past four games.
The lineup has been carried by stellar play from hitters at the top of the order. The regular 1-2 hitters for the club, Taylor Douglas and Chris Godinez, have active nine and ten game hitting streaks. The three hole has been occupied by Pat Porter, who has become the NWL’s most dominant hitter to date. Porter ranks first in RBI (24), tied-first in triples (2), tied-second in home runs (5), and tied-seventh in runs scored (15). He was named Sunday’s NWL Player of the Day following a seven RBI, two home run, four hit performance. Protecting Porter in the four hole is fellow Ohio State Buckeye Zach Ratcliff, who has clubbed five home runs and 16 RBI respectively.
Tonight’s game features two of the top hitting teams in the league against one another. Kenosha and Mankato both rank in the top five in home runs, total bases, and slugging percentage. The Kingfish will look to jump on Moondog starter Jake Jenkins early and often in the first affair. The righty ran into trouble in the second inning during his last outing, affording four runs to the St. Cloud Rox. The second game’s starter is Canadian born Ethan Green, who comes in with a 1-2 record. Kingfish right handers Zach Morgenstern and Trevor Haas look to keep the ball down in the zone and locate breaking balls in an effort to quiet Moondog bats. They aim to hand a lead to the reliable Kenosha bullpen, which features four different hurlers with sub-3 ERA. The crew has also shown great versatility in late-game situations, evidenced by the five different pitchers who have recorded saves this season.
The team’s next home date is scheduled for tomorrow as the team welcomes the Lakeshore 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. Kids who do so will receive a voucher for a free hot dog and soda. “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.
