Tim Hackett, Broadcasting Intern

Nunez’ Two RBI Not Enough in 8-2 Woodchucks Loss

Rockford, Ill.- Ivan Nunez singled and drove in two runs, but it was not the Wisconsin Woodchucks (1-2) only managed four total hits, dropping the third game of the season to the Rockford Rivets (1-2) by an 8-2 score.

The Chucks got into trouble in the bottom of the first as Cal Aldridge doubled home a run and Keith Kerrigan plated another with a sacrifice fly to center.

More trouble arose for Chucks starter Tyler Luneke in the third. With one out, Bren Spillane tripled and scored on a single by Aldridge, and Kerrigan scored Aldridge with a double to left.

The offense was kickstarted by the newest member of the Woodchucks roster in the fourth. Dalton Reed reached on an error by the second baseman, advanced to second on a passed ball, and scored on a single by Nunez to get the Chucks on the board

Good baserunning benefitted the Woodchucks again in the sixth. Andrew Smith led off the frame with a walk, then promptly stole second and then third. Reed was hit by a pitch and Kendrick walked to load the bases with one out, and Nunez drove in Smith with a sac fly, but the Chucks couldn’t do any more damage.

That’s as close as they would get. Rockford tacked on four more runs in the sixth to extend the lead to 8-2. Kevin Bolder and Pavin Parks didn’t allow Rockford to score in the seventh and eighth, but the damage was done, and the Rivets emerged with an 8-2 victory

Zach Thomas picked up the win by holding Wisconsin scoreless over the final three innings, while Luneke was saddled with his first loss of the year. The Woodchucks will look to rebound tomorrow night in Rockford for the second of a pair of games against the Rivets.

Tickets are on sale to all Wisconsin Woodchucks home games and the 2017 Northwoods League Home Run Derby and All-Star Game, presented by Ascension. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 715.845.5055 or by stopping by the Woodchucks front office during normal business hours.