LA CROSSE, WI- Coming off a shutout win against Alexandria, the Loggers were looking to continue that momentum against the Bombers. They did exactly that and in a hurry. La Crosse also was hungry for a win to attempt to climb back in the South Division standings, down 5.5 games to Kenosha.
Mason McCoy, the league leader in hits and runs, opened up with a leadoff homerun. Jordan Zimmerman singled only to be blasted in on a Ronnie Gideon (Texas A&M) home run. The spark led to 3 more hits, including a Riley Adams (San Diego) double that brought in new-Logger Chris Baker (Washington) and Grant Fennell (Nevada). Denz’l Chapman (San Diego State) brought in Adams with his second hit of the season. The Battle Creek starter, Fred Manke only lasted a third of an inning. Within a blink, La Crosse was up 6-0.
Battle Creek managed a run in both the 2nd and the 3rd but La Crosse was not done there. Chris Baker led off with another Logger home run. Adams reached on a walk and scored quickly when Ryan Kirby (San Diego) hit his first home run of the season and the Loggers’ fourth of the game, which was tied for the second most home runs in a game in team history.
The Bombers unraveled from there, walking two more, giving up 3 more hits, and 4 more runs. The score was 13-2 after three innings. Battle Creek scratched away at the big lead with a home run on their own, but never came close as La Crosse took the first game of the series 14-7.
Graham Spraker (Quincy) picked up his second win of the year, pitching 5.2 innings and striking out 4. Jack Ralston (UCLA) came in relief and pitched 2.1 scoreless innings and only gave up 1 hit.
The Bombers and Loggers square off again tomorrow night in Copeland. Game time is at 7:05.
