LA CROSSE, WI- The Loggers pulled out the victory in the Lumberyard against the Kalamazoo Growlers thanks to some great pitching and fielding by the Logger crew. The win snaps a two game losing streak from the road trip in Kenosha.
Both starters were going strong through two innings. Jack Ralston gave up a lone double in the third but retired the first 9 of 10 batters of the game. Ronnie Gideon (Texas A&M) did not take his time at the plate; he sent the first pitch the saw off the top of the left field wall for a leadoff homer run. Mason McCoy (Iowa) singled for the 65th time this season. He stole second base to put him in position for the second part of the dynamic duo, Jordan Zimmerman (Michigan State), to hit him in on a single to center.
Ralston continued to shine through five but ran into trouble in the 6th inning. Bryce Adams (LSU) singled to left and John Ruiz (Miami) reached on a bunt. Two quick outs later, Jordan Stading (Houston) drove in the first Growler run of the night on a single to left.
Alex Gosser (Arkansas) walked before Max Schuman (Utah) came in as a pinch runner and as catcher in the 7th. A poor throw on the pickoff attempt moved Schuman to second. The was it for Ralston as Coach Sandillo made the switch to Jordan Jess (Minnesota). Jordan cleaned up shop to end the inning.
Jack Ralston, despite being only 17 years old, shined in the game. He pitched 6.1 innings, giving up a lone run on only four hits. He walked one but struck out six Growlers.
Ty Provencher (Long Beach State) completed the five-out save for his 10th save of the season. La Crosse improves to 3-4 in the second half with the win and 22-19 overall.
The Loggers and Growlers square off tomorrow night. Make sure to stop by the Lumberyard for the game and to watch the “Mascot Olympics!” Local mascots will be at the park to compete against each other. Game time is at 7:05.
