Spitters Flop, Lose to Kingfish 5-1
Rockford, IL – The Traverse City Pit Spitters lose game one of the home stand against the Kenosha Kingfish, 5-1. The Pit Spitters record drops to 31-22, and 9-9 in the second half.
The Kingfish took the first lead of the night in the top of the first on a Adam Pottinger solo home run to right center to make it 1-0. The Kingfish offense continued into the top of the fourth as Brandon Nigh doubled to lead off the inning, followed by a Mason Morris single, driving in Nigh to extend the Kingfish lead to 2-0. Brandon Heidal hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring Morris to make it 3-0. Matt Wolfe came in and scored on a passed ball to extend the Kingfish lead to 4-0. Pit Spitters offense began to make moves in the bottom of the sixth inning when Jack Crighton led off the inning with a walk. Crighton moved to second on an error committed by shortstop Matt Wolfe, and then to third on a wild pitch thrown by Kendall Lyons. Devin Hukill singled, scoring Crighton to cut into the Kingfish lead 4-1. The Kingfish returned fire the next half inning on a Pottinger triple to left center ultimately scoring on a wild pitch thrown by Hayden Brown extending the Kingfish lead to 5-1. The Kingfish held on to take game one of the series.
The Pit Spitters drop to 31-22 on the season and 9-9 in the second half, while the Kingfish improve to a 24-28 overall record and 7-12 in the second half. Pit Spitters starting pitcher, Jake Michel threw six innings, giving up three runs on six hits, walking a pair. Hayden Brown threw two innings of relief, giving up one run on a hit, striking out two. Mitchell Grannan threw an inning of scoreless work in his Pit Spitters debut, striking out one.
Up next
The Pit Spitters return to Turtle Creek Stadium to take on the Kenosha Kingfish for game two of the series. First pitch is 7:05 PM. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.pitspitters.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Pit Spitters as your favorite team.
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About the Traverse City Pit Spitters: The Traverse City Pit Spitters have been members of the Northwoods League since their inaugural season in 2019. The Pit Spitters have won two Northwoods League Championships and delivered their unique brand of FUN to hundreds of thousands of fans. The Pit Spitters share Managing Partners and principal ownership with the West Michigan Whitecaps, the High A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, based in Comstock Park, Michigan. The team’s home games are played in Traverse City’s favorite multi-purpose outdoor entertainment venue, Turtle Creek Stadium. For more information visit https://northwoodsleague.com/traverse-city-pit-spitters/ or contact Jacqueline Holm at 231-943-0100 Ext. 214/ email JacquelineH@pitspitters.com.
About the Northwoods League: The Traverse City Pit Spitters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 24 teams, drawing 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, over 325 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.pitspitters.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Pit Spitters as your favorite team.
