Mequon, WI – Fog has been a big factor for the Lakeshore Chinooks the past two days. On Saturday, it actually benefitted the team, ending the game after the seventh inning with the Chinooks leading the La Crosse Loggers 7-3, meaning the Loggers did not have a chance to come back. The fog was a problem on Sunday, though, this time ending the game against La Crosse one pitch into the bottom of the third inning with the score tied 0-0. Because the game did not go the necessary five innings to make it official, it will be resumed at that point on July 9th.
Gavin Downs (Purdue) had a nice start for the Chinooks, throwing 3.0 scoreless innings while striking out one and walking none. In 25.0 innings this season, Downs has still yet to issue a walk while posting a minuscule 0.72 ERA.
A big reason for Downs' success on the night was the defense, however. In the second inning. The Loggers threatened with a man on second and two outs. However, an outstanding diving catch from left fielder Drake Parker (Vanderbilt) ended the inning. The Loggers also put a runner on second with two outs in the top of the third, but this time center fielder Jake Romano (Miami-Ohio) made one of the best diving catches that you will ever see to once again let the Chinooks get out of the frame unscathed.
The Chinooks did next to nothing on offense, managing just one walk and no hits. That was in just two innings, though, so who knows what would have happened had the game kept going.
The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters will now come into Mequon for a two-game series against the Chinooks. Hopefully the fog will hold off in these contests.
The Lakeshore Chinooks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League draws 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, more than 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS, Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information visit www.lakeshorechinooks.com.