It is hard to believe that a seventy-five day journey has come to a close.  Sunday marked the end of the inaugural season in Lakeshore Chinooks history.  In the end, the day belonged to Wisconsin Rapids. Yet, the memories of a great first season will last a lifetime.

The Northwoods League’s newest member ended its season with a 4-3 loss at the hands of the Rafters.

First inning mistakes continued to plague Wisconsin Rapids for a third consecutive day.  Ty Kamps led off the game with a walk.  Charlie Markson (Notre Dame) reached on an error by the shortstop.  He then moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Forrest Chadwick (Southern Maine) to give the Chinooks the early 1-0, without the benefit of a hit.

Wisconsin Rapids came back to score four times in the bottom of the second, aided in part by a pair of walks and a wild pitch.  The outburst forced the Chinooks to go to their bullpen early, due a Northwoods League pitching rule, requiring teams to pull a pitcher if his pitch count exceeds 35 in one inning.

Kevin Nutley (St. Norbert College) responded with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen to keep the Chinooks in the ballgame.    

Despite being held out of the hit column, Lakeshore still found themselves within striking distance.  Forrest Chadwick ripped a two-out triple off the wall in center for Lakeshore’s first hit of the contest. Ryan Krill (Michigan State) soon worked the count into his favor and belted a 3-1 pitch over the wall in right to pull the Chinooks within one at 4-3.

Evin Einhardt (Wabash Valley CC) kept Wisconsin Rapids at bay for the final four innings with the help of some great defense, and gave Lakeshore a chance to comeback.  Connor Lynch (Georgia Tech) picked up a hit in the ninth, but was left at first to end the ballgame.  

In a season filled with many ups and downs, the Lakeshore Chinooks finished on a positive note.  Wins in two of their last three games ensured the team a .500 record overall (35-35) as well as a winning record in the second half at 18-17.  Lakeshore finished the season in fourth place in the south division, one game ahead of the Green Bay Bullfrogs.

The Lakeshore Chinooks organization would like to thank all of our fans for your support throughout our inaugural season.  None of this would be possible without you.  We hope you “got hooked” on Chinooks baseball and look forward to a fantastic 2013 season!