Battle Jacks Stiff Pit Spitters
Battle Creek, MI – May 27, 2024 – The Traverse City Pit Spitters lose game one of the series against the Battle Creek Battle Jacks, 7-2. The Pit Spitters begin the season 0-1.
The Battle Jacks offense struck first in the bottom of the first as Alex Fernandes singled to center field. Following another single from Mason Hamlin, Elijah Henning grounded into a fielder’s choice scoring Fernandes to make it 1-0. The Pit Spitters took advantage of an error in the top of the second committed by Hamlin allowing Trent Reed to reach base. Following a two out walk from Matt Earley, Reed came around to score after G Smith committed an error at first base, making the game tied at 1-1. The Battle Jacks bats didn’t rest in the bottom of the second as a leadoff single from Aidan Arbogast, and a couple of walks from Jacob Brown and Hamlin loaded the bases. Henning then singled, scoring Arbogast and Brown to make it 3-1. A walk from Fernandes in the bottom of the fourth followed by a Hamlin single to left field extended the Battle Jacks lead 4-1. The Pit Spitters were onto something in the top of the sixth as a leadoff walk from Brett Rozman and a single to right field from Reed with no one out set them up for a sacrifice flyout by Matt Earley cutting into the Battle Jacks lead 4-2. The Battle Jacks wouldn’t be withheld as Hamlin was hit by a pitch to lead off the the bottom of the seventh, and then Josh Schleichardt followed it up with another walk to put two runners on abse. Daniel Pruitt doubled to left field scoring both runners to extend their lead to 6-2. The Pit Spitters pitching woes continued into the bottom of the eighth as Jaden Fulsher, Fernandes, and Hamlin all walked to lead off the inning. Fulsher would come into score following a pass ball to make it 7-2.
The Pit Spitters fall to 0-1 on the season, while the Battle Jacks improve to 1-0. The Pit Spitters starting pitcher Aaron Forrest threw two innings giving up three runs on three walks, striking out five. Seth Gurr threw an inning striking out one. Grant LaMarche threw two innings giving up one run and striking out three. Sam Sethna threw an inning and a third giving up two runs on one hit and struck out one. Jake Brown finished the night off throwing an inning and two thirds walking four and striking out four.
The Pit Spitters will stay in Battle Creek for the final game of the road trip against the Battle Jacks. First pitch is 11:05AM. 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 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 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, 340 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.
