LA CROSSE, WI- For the second time in the 2015, La Crosse played Green Bay in the opener. The Loggers traveled to Green Bay for the season opener and then hosted the Bullfrogs in the midseason opener. Green Bay was fresh off a 8-game win streak to compete for the first-half South division crown. Kenosha took the first-half and an all-important spot in the playoffs.
Brandon Lawson (South Florida) looked to continue his success on the mound. He threw 4.2 scoreless innings in a no-decision at Wisconsin Rapids last week.
Bullfrogs seemed to be right where they left off last half when the first four batters of the game reached on two hits, a walk, and a fielder’s choice. Green Bay scored one and a second crossed the plate on a Ronnie Gideon (Texas A&M) error at first.
The Loggers answered back in the 2nd inning. Jordan Pearce (Nevada) and Will Savage (Columbia) led off the inning with singles of their own. A passed ball moved them up a base for Alex Merritt (North Florida) to drive in Pearce on a groundout. Keith Skinner (North Florida) brought Savage home on a line drive to center. Denz’l Chapman (San Diego State) singled to bring up leadoff man Mason McCoy (Iowa). McCoy reached on an error by the third baseman. It was enough to bring in Skinner and give La Crosse a 3-2 lead.
Brandon Lawson, despite giving up two runs in the 1st inning, cruzed through his 7.0 innings of work. He struck out six and retired the last 12 batters he faced until he was relieved by Nolan Gromacki (Missouri).
The Loggers put a runner on base in seven of their eight innings from the plate. Mason McCoy earned his league-best 58th hit of the season in the 4th.
The Loggers put up an insurance run on Keith Skinner grounder that scored Will Savage. That run proved to be helpful. The Bullfrogs brought the lead to one again but could not comeback all the way. Ty Provencher earned his eighth save of the season, tied for best in the league.
La Crosse starts 1-0 on in halves this season and looks to take the second-half South Division crown. Green Bay and La Crosse face off again tomorrow at 7:05. “Come on down” to Copeland Park tomorrow for “Price Is Right Night” by Gordy’s Market. Gates open at 6.