The Lakeshore Chinooks took on the Waterloo Bucks on Sunday night at Kapco Park for a battle of the two division leaders in the second half. Lakeshore wanted to prove a point and took control in the bottom of the 1st inning bringing home seven runs and bouncing the Bucks starter after just 2/3 innings of work. But every game has nine innings as the Chinooks found out. Waterloo stormed back in the 3rd and 4th inning looking to spoil Lakeshores night. Although the Bucks looked to make the game interesting, Lakeshore always fired back winning 12-4. Catcher Mike Hollenbeck stated, “They are the best team in the North Division we are the best team in the South Division and we came to play. We were pumped up, we knew it was going to be a big game and I’m glad it worked out the way it did.”
In the bottom of the 1st inning the first three batters loaded the bases for Mike Hollenbeck (Illinois State) who flipped an inside-out double to left field bringing home the first two runs of the game. Ryan Krill (MSU) strolled up to the plate and lined an RBI single to right field tacking on the third run. With the bases loaded once again, Aaron Machbitz (South Dakota State) roped an RBI single to left field. But an error resulted in the bases to clear and Machbitz found himself on third base. John Norwood (Vanderbilt) followed and knocked in Machbitz on a sharp lineout to center field capping a 7 run inning.
Waterloo began their comeback in the top of the 3rd inning. With two outs, a ground rule double brought home the first run for the Bucks. The following batter ripped a two RBI double to right-center climbing back into the game making the score 7-3.
The Bucks added another run in the top of the 4th inning. After two quick outs, a double put a runner in scoring position for Connor McClain who lined an RBI single to right field as Waterloo inched closer making the score 7-4.
Lakeshore answered right back in the bottom of the 4th inning. Andrew Stevenson (LSU) pulled a lead-off double down the right field line. After two quick outs, Mike Hollenbeck smacked an RBI triple that was misjudged by the left fielder. Jared Fon (UW-Whitewater) approached the plate and torched an RBI single for a 9-4 lead.
It was like the ball was a beach ball at the plate for the Chinooks. With two outs in the bottom of the 5th inning, back-to-back walks put runners on for Mike Hollenbeck yet again who drove in the 10th run of the game on an RBI single Lakeshore then loaded the bases for Jared Fon who ripped a two RBI single resulting in a final score of 12-4.
Mike Hollenbeck had himself a great night at the plate. He recorded four RBI’s with a single, double, and triple. “This is probably the best game of my career and I’m glad it was against the number one team in the league. Hopefully we can come out swinging again on Tuesday.”
Chinooks starter Kyle Bouman (St. Louis) went six innings giving up four runs on seven hits and striking out six.
Lakeshore (17-6) returns to Kapco Park to take on the Waterloo Bucks on Tuesday, July 30th at 6:35 PM. The first 750 fans in attendance on Tuesday will receive a Team Trading Card Set!
