‘Spitters Rip the Rivets, 4-2
Traverse City, MI- The Traverse City Pit Spitters win game one of the series against the Rockford Rivets, 4-2 in front of 2,288 fans at Turtle Creek Stadium. The Pit Spitters improve to 42-29 on the season and 20-16 in the second half.
The Rivets opened the offense in the top of the third inning with a double from David Bishop. Bishop advanced to third on a stolen base, followed up by a Wyatt Morgan walk to leave runners on the corners. After a sacrifice fly for Bryan Vincent scoring Bishop, the Rivets were on the board. Connor Allen then hit a double scoring Morgan bringing the score to 2-0 Rivets heading into the bottom of the inning. Evan Orzech led off the bottom of the third inning for the Pit Spitters with a single to center field. Colin Summerhill drew a walk advancing Orzech to third, followed by a Parker Brosius single to left field, scoring Orzech. 2-1 Rivets heading into the fourth.
Ruben Bennevedo kicked off the inning for the Rivets with a single to center field; however, a couple of quick defensive plays from the Pit Spitters left the Rivets stymied heading into the bottom of the fourth. Zach Johnson got the momentum going for the Spitters on two outs with a single to the right fielder. Ethan Hyme followed with a single of his own advancing Johnson, ultimately scoring him from third, bringing the score to 2-2.
After a quiet half inning from the Rivets, Brosius led off the bottom of the fifth with a walk. A ripped single to the right fielder from Cole Prout brought Brosius into scoring position at third. A walk from Devin Hukill during the next at bat brough Prout to second and loaded the bases. The Rivets were caught flat footed shortly after when Brosius stole home putting the Pit Spitters up, 3-2.
The action started again in the bottom of the 6th with a walk from Summerhill. Summerhill then stole second, and advanced to third on a passed ball, ultimately scoring on a Prout single to the second baseman. Final score of 4-2, Pit Spitters.
The Pit Spitters improve to 42-29 on the season and 20-16 in the second half, while the Rivets drop to 13-24 in the second half. The Pit Spitters starting pitcher Niko Saldias threw four innings, giving up two runs on six hits striking out three. Holden Wilder threw two innings of scoreless relief, picking up the win. Maddux Hoaglund pitched one inning striking out one. Logan Mccleery pitched one inning giving up no runs on two hits. Quinn Berglin pitched one inning, striking out one and picking up the save.
The Pit Spitters stay at Turtle Creek Stadium for game one of the series against the Rockford Rivets. First pitch is 7:05PM. Game one of the Great Lakes Division Playoffs is Sunday, August 13 at 5:05PM against the Kalamazoo Growlers at Turtle Creek Stadium. 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.
