Mequon, WI – The narrative so far this young season for the Chinooks has been their struggles hitting with runners in scoring position. After stranding 14 runners in both games against the Kenosha Kingfish, Lakeshore continued the trend by leaving 15 more standing on the basepaths. The Chinooks loaded the bases in both the third and fifth innings but a strikeout and fielder’s choice groundout ended the innings respectively.

Rockford starter Garrett Goetz only lasted four and a third innings, giving up one run on six hits and a trio of walks. While the Chinooks were able to put runners on early, Rivets relief pitcher Nathan Schneiderman almost completely shut down any offense for Lakeshore. Schneiderman threw three and two thirds shutout innings, allowing only one hit and walking one. He also struck out three.

The lone offensive production for the Chinooks came in the form of a Jake Thompson solo home run. The shortstop launched a ball over the right field fence to open the scoring and give the Chinooks a 1-0 lead.

Chinooks pitcher Brendan McGuigan, making his first start in his second season in Lakeshore, threw five innings giving up only an unearned run. Rockford catcher Brock Mathis reached on a throwing error by third baseman Dallas Beaver. A passed ball later in the inning in which Chinooks catcher Garrett Gilbert lost behind him allowed Mathis to score from second base to tie the game 1-1.

Entering the six inning, Lakeshore decided to turn the game over to the bullpen. Wichita State product Jacob Lindemann entered for the Chinooks but the Rivets began to find their stroke at the plate. The first seven batters of the inning reached base, including six singles and one error by the Chinooks. Rockford first baseman Pat Loeffler had himself a good day at the plate, going 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Lindemann was relieved after failing to get an out, giving up seven runs (six earned) on six hits.

Lakeshore brought on left-hander Trevor Smisek, who was able to keep Rockford quiet for the next three innings. The Rivets were able to put together three hits and a walk off of the product of Ellsworth, but Smisek contained any potential damage with three strikeouts.

In the top of the ninth, the Chinooks brought in right-hander Layne Looney. The Richmond product gave up a hit but struck out the side, even topping out at 92 mph with a fastball to strike out Brock Mathis.

The Chinooks will face off against Rockford again tomorrow at Kapco Park as the Chinooks look to win their first home game of the season. First pitch is at 5:05 pm.