The La Crosse Loggers began their four-game homestead yesterday with a thrilling walk-off victory over the Bismarck Larks.
Garrett Rennie (San Diego) toed the slab for the Lumberman, tossing a solid 5.0 innings while allowing 2 earned runs. Following Rennie’s departure, the Loggers’ defense struggled, committing several errors and defensive miscues.
The Larks’ offense was able to capitalize, scoring 6 runs after the 5th inning. Leading the way was Adam Axtell (Point Loma Nazarene), who went 3-for-6 with a couple of runs and an RBI. Spencer Sarringar (Northern State) also had a big performance, garnering multiple hits including a clutch 2-RBI double in the 8th frame to give his squad the lead.
Following a 3-run 10th inning by the Larks, Jack Haley (Cal State Fullerton) spearheaded the Loggers’ comeback. The savvy shortstop started the rally with a 2-RBI double, bringing his team within a run. Haley finished with a game-leading 4 RBIs on the evening. Luke Leto (LSU) then tied the game with an RBI fielder’s choice.
In the 11th, Ricky Reeth (Notre Dame) tallied a scoreless inning, setting up a walk-off opportunity. With a ghost runner on second and an intentional walk, Connor Walsh (Rice) reached on an error which scored the winning run from second base in dramatic fashion.
Both teams will return to Copeland Park tonight for game two of the four-game series. It will be an exciting day at the ballpark, with several former Green Bay Packers paying a visit followed by a “Fire Works Extravaganza” presented by Kurt Pfaff State Farm Insurance.
The first pitch is set for 6:35pm CT on the north side of La Crosse. Fans can watch live at https://northwoodsleague.com/watch-nwl/ or listen live at https://mixlr.com/lacrosseloggers.
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 29th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, over 295 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
