Another Close Game Leaves Chinooks on Top
After a lopsided loss last night, the Chinooks came out fighting and pulled out the win Thursday night, 5-4 over the Battle Creek Bombers.
The game was tied for most of the night as the Chinooks struck first off of a sacrifice fly by Ryan Krill (Michigan State) that scored Charlie Markson (Notre Dame). The Bombers scored the next inning and took the lead in the 4th on a Collin Willis single to center field.
Not to be outdone, the Chinooks matched again in the bottom of the inning when Markson drove in Nate Ruzich (South Suburban). Markson reached base three times tonight and drove in a run on a sacrifice fly. “I like to change the way I hit based on where I hit in the order and (Coach John Vodenlich) put me in the leadoff spot in the beginning of the season so I feel like that is my role; run and put pressure on the defense to set a tone for the team. Bats are contagious so if I start it, it’s going to go down,” said Markson.
The Bombers put up a good fight, stranding 8 runners on base through the first four innings, but couldn’t bring them home. The Chinooks on the other hand were handed free bases as three Chinooks were hit by pitches.
The game winning run came when Zack Granite (Seton Hall) scored from third on a throwing error to first in the 7th inning. That was all the Chinooks could manage, but all they needed as Kenton San Miguel pitched a scoreless 8th for the bombers.
Carson Beauchaine (Saginaw Valley State) got the win tonight, pitching four scoreless innings of relief for the Chinooks. San Miguel took the loss for the Bombers.
Note: In 2009 San Miguel recorded 22 strike outs in high school over 7 innings, which included every batter he faced including one who advanced to first on a dropped third strike.
The Chinooks and Bombers are back at it tomorrow night for a rubber match to determine the series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm at Kapco Park in Mequon.
