By: Amanda Orlando
ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The Leprechauns secured Wednesday’s 6-2 win against Battle Creek at their home field before returning to The Lucky Corner the next day with a ten-inning showdown that would result in a 7-6 walkoff victory.
The bats were hot early in game one for both teams, with three runs for Royal Oak and two for Battle Creek just during the first inning. While the Leprechauns offense, who tallied three more runs across the middle innings was ultimately what secured them the win, their bullpen persisted as well with eight scoreless innings.
The Leprechauns would carry their offensive drive into Thursday’s game with two runs put up in just the first inning, courtesy of a two-run home run sent deep into left field by Lucas Mead.
The Battle Jacks responded quickly with a home run of their own from AJ Lucas in the second inning, but a couple of groundouts would stop the bleeding and allow for Royal Oak to respond quickly.
Home runs seemed to be the theme during those early innings as Noah Brocklebank attacked a pitch over the left field fence to drive in an RBI of his own.
After five strikeouts on behalf of Royal Oak’s Drew Tolfree, who pitched four innings, Tyler Young came in to take over.
Lucas Mead came in to tally a third RBI for himself in the bottom of the fifth when he scored on behalf of fielder’s choice.
Battle Creek came back to bite with three total runs across the sixth and seventh innings, but Royal Oak broke the tie in the seventh off of Aamir Mitchel’s run scored after a wild pitch to Mateo Noto. Following the eighth inning, the score was 5-4 Royal Oak.
With Leprechaun’s closing pitcher Kellen English stepping in during the ninth inning, many thought the game would conclude quickly due to his tendency to strikeout players late in the game, however this was not the case.
Battle Creek’s Nick Hogan advanced to home after Kyle Hartmann drove a single out to his shortstop, ultimately tying the game up.
As the game would go into extra innings, a Battle Jacks run scored in the top of the tenth would leave Leprechaun fans on the edge of their seats.
A Luke Kosko single to center field would be enough to drive in the redemption run, with Patrick Ilitch to follow, bunting the ball and securing the Leprechauns’ victory, 7-6
As the Leprechauns approach their two-game road series against Kalamazoo, the Battle Creek Battle Jacks will once again visit The Lucky Corner with a game on Sunday. First pitch for the matchup is set for 4:05 p.m. ET.
Tickets can be purchased on the team’s website or at the gate. Fans can also follow the team across all social platforms to stay up to date
