LA CROSSE, WI- The top two teams in the South Division collided for a doubleheader in Copeland Park. Both teams entered the games on hot streaks; a seven game win streak for the Kingfish and wins in 6 of their last 7 for the Loggers.
The rainout yesterday did not slow down either club. Jordan Zimmerman (Mesa) singled to lead off the game. Two batters later, Grant Fennell continued his success behind the plate by doubling to left center, scoring Zimmerman. Kenosha answered back the next half inning. Jason Scholl (Eastern Illinois) doubled to lead off the inning and scored on a single two batters later.
Nolan Gromacki (Missouri) for the Loggers and P.J. Schuster (Tiffin) caught fire combining for 8 strikeouts. Kenosha broke the pitcher’s duel in the sixth inning, scoring three runs before Matt Naylor (North Florida) cleaned up the Kingfish threat. Kenosha scored six more in the seventh inning to extend their lead to 9. The Kingfish held on to win the first game 10-1
Brandon Lawson (South Florida) made his Logger debut in game 2 against Trevor Haas (Valparaiso) and the Kenosha Kingfish. The Logger bats gave the starting pitcher another early lead. Jacob Boston (Mesa) walked and was moved to third on a Ryan Kirby (San Diego) single. Alex Merritt bunted Boston in to take the lead.
Kenosha tied it up in the fourth inning, but it did not stay tied for long. The first two Logger batters walked and Kirby singled again to load the bases. Merritt hit a sacrifice fly to center, bringing in Riley Adams (San Diego). Mason McCoy (Illinois Central) did not extend his 9-game win streak this game, but he did also get a RBI on a sacrifice fly to center, which brought in Jacob Boston.
Kenosha brought the lead to one run but La Crosse held on to win the game 3-2. Lawson pitched a strong 4.1 innings, giving up 2 runs, and struck out 5 batters. Matt Naylor (North Florida) came in relief for the second time and pitched a perfect 2.1 innings, letting no batters advance while he was pitching. Ty Provencher (Long Beach State) came in at the end of the ninth inning to pick up the save.
La Crosse travels east to play two in Mequon against the Lakeshore Chinooks. The Loggers are back in Copeland next Monday to face North Division Alexandria then Battle Creek.
