The Loggers were unable to rally Monday night from Copeland Park as they lost to the Kalamazoo Growlers by a score of 8-2.  

La Crosse was down early as Kalamazoo scored four first inning runs off Loggers starter, Scott Burke (UCLA).  Burke finished the night pitching four innings, allowing eight runs (four earned), on eight hits, while walking one and striking out four.  

La Crosse chipped into the Growlers lead in the bottom of the first inning, when shortstop Nash Knight (Dallas Baptist) belted his second home run of the year to right field. 

But the Growlers slowly widened their lead as the game progressed.  Loggers reliever Kelvan Pilot (Mesa CC) pitched very well, going 3.2 scoreless innings in relief, and just allowing one hit and one walk while striking out four.  Ryne Birk (Texas A&M) also continued his tremendous season knocking out three hits on the night and raising his average to .339.  Unfortunately it wasn't enough as the Kalamazoo bullpen was able to preserve the win.

The Loggers and Growlers will now both have off days as the league will conduct their annual Big League Showcase in Madison on Tuesday. Four Loggers will participate in the showcase, Birk and his collegiate teammate Mark Ecker (Texas A&M).  As well as, closer Breckin Williams (Missouri), and outfielder Luke Persico (UCLA).  The two teams will conclude their two-game series Wednesday night from Copeland Park, with first pitch slated for 7:05.