The Kenosha Kingfish traded wins with the Mankato Moondogs Tuesday night, taking the first game 5-0 before falling 5-2 in the second. Both contests lasted just seven innings as a result of a Monday rainout.
The first game was decided by nearly flawless Kingfish pitching from starter Zach Morgenstern and reliever Paul Schuster. Morgenstern dominated the opposition during his five shut-out innings, fanning four and allowing just three hits. Fellow righty Paul Schuster would come in to take care of the final two frames, earning the save as he allowed a mere one Moondog to reach base. Of his 21 pitches, 17 were strikes.
The team would need just two separate innings to tally their five runs. CF Taylor Douglas would stay hot, singling in 3B Spencer Gaa and C CJ Saylor in the third. The score would remain 2-0 until the top of the seventh when Douglas would once again knock in two of his teammates. The next batter, 2B Chris Godinez, would then hit Douglas in to score. All told, Douglas was the key offensively. Having played a role in all five of the squad’s runs, he finished with a stat line of; 2-4, 4 RBI, R.
The second affair began 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first at Franklin Rogers Park. The Kingfish would fall behind 2-1 through two innings and never be able to recover. With King Elvis’ crew down 3-1 in the sixth, a bases loaded passed ball would allow LF Pat Porter to score and cut the lead to one. The team fail to muster another run in the frame and eventually fall 5-2.
Nonetheless, positive signs were seen throughout the game. 1B Zach Ratcliff finished 1-2 with an RBI, walk, and run scored. As a whole the team put the ball in play all game long, striking out just three times. In addition, just three Kingfish batters failed to reach base on the evening.
The six game road trip was extremely successful for Duffy Dyer’s bunch. They took five of six from strong Lakeshore, St. Cloud, and Mankato clubs. The three teams currently combine for a 41-25 record. Consistent hitters emerged in the order as well. Taylor Douglas (.279, 17 H, 11 R, 10 SB), Chris Godinez (.328, 19 H, 11 R), Pat Porter (.316, 24 H, 24 RBI, 16 R, 5 HR), and Zach Ratcliff (.274, 17 H, 16 RBI, 6 HR) have become mainstays in the 1-4 holes. Ratcliff is tied for the league lead in home runs, while Porter has sole possession of first place in the RBI category. Meanwhile, Godinez and Douglas had double-digit hit streaks going until tonight’s second game.
The Kingfish, now 11-9 and winners of seven of their last eight, find themselves just 2 games back in the South Division. The team returns home Wednesday to begin a six game home stand. Wednesday’s game against the Lakeshore Chinooks 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.
