Krill Walk-Off Double Lifts the Chinooks in Extras 6-5

The Bullfrogs, who came into the series with two straight wins, were looking to continue their streak and smash the first half hopes for the Chinooks. Coming into the night, the Chinooks were currently ½ games out of first place in the South Division looking to punch their ticket for the NWL playoffs.

It was a wild game Saturday night at Kapco Park. The Chinooks were trailing from the start, but a five run 8^th inning gave Lakeshore a commanding lead heading into the 9^th. Green Bay answered the call bringing in two runs to tie the game 5-5. In the 10^th inning Ryan Krill (MSU) knocked in the winning run to secure the 6-5 victory.

The Bullfrogs continued their hot streak starting off the game with a lead-off walk, fielder’s choice, and stolen base putting a man on third base with two outs in the inning. An RBI single knocked in the first run of the day and gave Green Bay an early 1-0 lead.

In the top of the 3^rd inning the Bullfrogs struck again after a single/error putting a man on second with two outs. The Green Bay batter ripped an RBI single to left field tacking on another run pushing the lead to 2-0.

The top of the 5^th inning started with two straight outs but the Chinooks got into trouble after a single and walk put runners on base and brought up the number three batter for the Bullfrogs. He battled to make the count full and then lined an RBI single to left field making the score 3-0.

The Chinooks finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the 8^th inning. With just one out in the inning, the Chinooks loaded the bases bringing Brant Valach (Eastern Illinois) to the plate. Valach worked a full count and ultimately was hit by a pitch to bring in the first run of the game for the Chinooks. Ryan Krill (MSU) followed, knocking in two on an RBI single. Runner advanced to second and third on a wild throw. John Norwood (Vanderbilt) chopped an RBI ground out to bring home the go-ahead run. Andrew Stevenson (LSU) who was looking for his first hit as a Chinook, smashed an RBI triple to cap a five run inning and take a 5-3 lead heading into the top of the 9^th.

The top of the 9^th inning was everything the Chinooks did not want. After an easy first out, a walk was surrendered as the Bullfrogs were threatening. The following batter hit what looked to be a routine groundball but a wild throw led to the ball to bounce around and go out of play which brought in a run and make the game 4-5. There was controversy about if the ball was out of play. Green Bay then knocked in the tying run with an RBI single up the middle. The Chinooks got out of the jam but not before the damage was done making the score 5-5. The Chinooks could not convert in the bottom of the 9^th forcing yet another extra-inning game.

After the Bullfrogs left two runners on in the top of the 10^th inning, the Chinooks looked to send the fans home with a win. Lead-off man Mike Papi (Virginia) forced a walk in attempt to stir up the winning run. After a failed sacrifice for the first out of the inning, Krill came up to the plate and launched a walk-off double to bring home Papi.

Krill stated, “The whole game we were taking quality at bats but the 8^th inning we put some good at bats together and some balls fell.” The Chinooks knew they need to continue to win games to win the first half, “This was a big game for us being a half game out coming into tonight; hopefully this will energize us for the final push.” Krill once again came up big for the Chinooks and continues his strong first half of the season going 2 for 5 with three RBI’s.

Chinooks starter Luke Lowery (Southern Miss) went 4 2/3 innings surrendering 2 earned runs on 5 hits. Lowery added three strikeouts. Tim Faix (Kent State) came in for relief and shut down the Bullfrogs giving up just 1 hit in 3 1/3 innings.

The Chinooks (19-11) take on the Bullfrogs at Kapco Park for the second of a three game series, Sunday at 5:05 PM. Fans in attendance for tomorrow’s game will receive Summerfest Tickets for free admission 12:00-4:00 PM for weekdays! Come cheer on the Chinooks as we push for the first half crown in the South Division.