Mequon, WI – The Lakeshore Chinooks were defeated in the first game of the Northwoods League second half on Wednesday by the Wisconsin Woodchucks, but they had a chance at redemption as they took on the Woodchucks again on Thursday at Kapco Park. After two great outings from both team's starters, the Chinooks ended up on the losing side of things, falling 3-1.

Woodchucks starter Devin Skapura (Texas A&M Corpus Christi) let up almost nothing to the Chinooks. Lakeshore did not have a hit until two outs in the fifth inning, and they ultimately managed just two hits off of him in Skapura's six scoreless innings pitched.

The Chinooks did have a chance against him in the bottom of the sixth. David Edson (USC) walked with one out in the frame, and the next batter, Zarley Zalewski (Kent State), doubled to put runners on second and third with two outs. However, Skapura escaped the jam to keep the scoreless tie intact.

The Woodchucks brought in reliever Kyle Dohy (Cal State Northridge) for the seventh, and the Chinooks were finally able to break the tie. The team loaded the bases with one out in the inning thanks to walks from Christian Hicks (Florida) and Jack Benninghoff (Arkansas) and a single from Anthony Massicci (Canisius). The Chinooks scored when Doug Kraeger (Richmond) walked, bringing in Hicks, but the team could not get any more after threatening to do so. 

Skapura had a great start, but so did Lakeshore starter Marshall Kasowski (Houston) was even better. He threw eight innings on the night, giving up just one run. Kaswoski let up just two hits while striking out 11 and walking three. 

The sole run he gave up came in the top of the eighth, and it was surrounded by controversy. Al Molina (Coastal Carolina) reached base with a walk, and he scored on an odd play. Owen Taylor (Kansas) hit a ball that landed fair and bounced under a section of fencing down the left field line. He was awarded second base, but Molina was given three bases and allowed to score. On a typical ground rule double, the runner from first would only be allowed to advance to third, but the play was ruled differently and Molina was given home. 

Chinooks manager Eddy Morgan took exception to the call and was ultimately tossed from the game. It was to no avail, though, as his protests were ignored and the run was still allowed to count, tying the game at 1-1. 

Hunter Devall (Louisiana State) was brought on in relief for the Chinooks in the ninth inning to hold the game at 1-1. He managed two outs but loaded the bases before allowing two runs on a single from Albee Weiss (Cal State Northridge).

The Chinooks could not mount a rally in the bottom of the ninth, and 3-1 is where the score would hold.

The teams now start a lengthy road trip as they go to Kalamazoo for a pair of doubleheaders against the Growlers starting on Friday. The team then goes to Battle Creek on Sunday, the 5th and Monday, the 6th. 

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 (WSH) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WSH), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (OAK).  All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information visit www.lakeshorechinooks.com.