Win Streak Pushed to 7: Chinooks Beat Loggers 2-1
The Lakeshore Chinooks took on the La Crosse Loggers, starting a six game home stand at Kapco Park. Both teams came into Monday night’s game sitting on top of the South Division at 4-0 in the second half. La Crosse struck first in the top of the 3rd inning taking an early 1-0 lead, but the Chinooks scored one run in the 4th and 5th inning resulting in a 2-1 win.
The Loggers started the scoring in the top of the 3rd inning. After a lead-off single and fielder’s choice to advance the runner to second, Eric Toole of La Crosse flared an RBI single to left field making the score 1-0.
The Chinooks answered in the bottom of the 4th inning. Aaron Machbitz (South Dakota State) rocked a one-out double to right field putting him in scoring position. After the second out of the inning, the Chinooks stayed patient at the plate by forcing back-to-back walks to load the bases. Cody Bobbit (Wichita State) poked a soft ground ball to second base but hustled out an RBI infield single to tie the game 1-1.
In the bottom of the 5th inning, Harrison Bader (Florida) launched a solo home run (3) over the left field wall and that was all the Chinooks needed for the win with a final score of 2-1.
Chinooks starter, Tyler Thicke (UW-Milwaukee) went 7 1/3 innings giving up one run on four hits adding five strikeouts. “You aren’t going out there to strike everyone out, you are going to just throw a pitch and let them hit it because you know your defense will be there to make plays.” The Chinooks are currently on a 7 game win streak and have been very relaxed on and off the field. Thicke stated, “We are relaxed and we let our abilities to take over on the field.”
Thicke earned his third win of the season and was backed by strong defense by the Chinooks led by first basemen Aaron Machbitz (South Dakota State) who made multiple circus catches in foul territory contributing to the 7th win in a row.
The Chinooks (5-0) will finish up their two-game set with the Loggers Tuesday, July 9th at 6:35 PM. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a Robin Yount bobble head. Come cheer on the Chinooks as they continue their strong second half start!
