A crucial base-running mistake that resulted in two outs squashed a potential Woodchucks’ rally in the top of the third inning, and starting hurler Seth Davis allowed four runs to score in the bottom half, as the Woodchucks dropped the second of a doubleheader to Kenosha, 4-1, Monday night at Simmons Field.
With the Woodchucks (4-4) leading the Kingfish (5-3) by a score of 1-0 in the third inning of the second of Monday’s twinbill, center fielder Jake Jefferies singled and stole second. Left fielder Nate Mondou immediately singled to right. With Jefferies holding at third, Kenosha right fielder Buddy Reed’s throw went to home plate. On the throw, Mondou advanced successfully to second despite the throw from the catcher. However, Jefferies then broke for home and was caught in a rundown between third and home. The ball ended up in the hands of Kingfish starting pitcher Rex Morrow, who tagged Jefferies retreating to third base before immediately tagging Mondou, who was attempting to advance to third.
That ended the potential rally for the Chucks, and set the table for a Kingfish four-run third.
Woodchucks starting hurler Davis, who fell to 2-2 with the loss, recorded one out in the third before walking consecutive batters. With two outs, the heart of the Kingfish order strung together three straight hits to take a 4-1 lead, a lead they would hold on to.
The game was dominated by Kingfish starting righty Rex Morrow, who fired a seven-inning complete game, improving to 1-0 while surrendering just one run on four hits, striking out six and walking two.
Shortstop Ryan Howard was the lone Woodchuck hitter with a multi-hit effort, tallying two on the night.
The Woodchucks are back in action Tuesday night, as they play host to the Thunder Bay Border Cats in the first of two at Athletic Park. First pitch is slated for 6:35 P.M.
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The Wisconsin Woodchucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwood’s League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwood’s League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 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, more than 115 Northwood’s League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwood’s League YouTube channel. For more information, visit woodchucks.com.
