Loftin’s RBI Single Gives Woodchucks 5-4 Win Over Dock Spiders
Wausau, WIS – Nick Loftin’s single to right field in the bottom of the ninth scored pinch runner Tommy Duddleston to give the Wisconsin Woodchucks a 5-4 win over the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders tonight at Athletic Park. The win moved the Chucks into a three-way tie for first in the Northwoods League South Division for the second half with the Spiders and the Kenosha Kingfish, with the second game of the Kingfish doubleheader still outstanding.
The game was scoreless until the bottom of the fifth when the Woodchucks got the offense going. Brandt Broussard’s infield single drove in Alex Toral, who doubled to lead of the inning. Isaac Quinones scored on a wild pitch to make it 2-0 Chucks. Javier Valdes drove in Broussard on a fielder’s choice, and Nick Loftin capped off the four-run innings by scoring on an error.
Branson Hall had a no-hitter through five innings for the Chucks, but the Dock Spiders solved Hall in the sixth and plated three runs. The Spiders still had the bases loaded with none out after scoring the three runs, but reliever Trey Horton struck out three consecutive hitters to maintain the lead for the Chucks at 4-3.
The Spiders tied the game on a double in the top of the eighth and appeared to take the lead on the same play, but the second runner coming home was ruled out after not touching home plate.
Toral got hit by a pitch to start the ninth. Domenic DeRenzo followed with a single to left to advance Toral to second. After Duddleston ran for Toral and a strikeout, an infield single by Brandt Broussard loaded the bases with one out, leading to Loftin’s game-winner.
Top Performers
Loftin and Broussard each picked up two hits, one RBI and one run for the Chucks.
Hall pitched five no-hit innings before giving up three runs in the sixth. Horton struck out five in two innings of scoreless relief and Lenny Gwizdala picked up the win.
Next Up
The Wisconsin Woodchucks travel to Herr-Baker Field in Fond du Lac on Friday July 27th to face the Dock Spiders. First pitch is at 6:35. The Woodchucks return home on Saturday July 28th to face the Lakeshore Chinooks in a 6:35 start. Enjoy Saturday night with Hovda-Kristo Orthodontics Post-Game Fireworks, set to The Greatest Showman musical hits. For tickets, call us at 715.845.5055, stop by our front office, or visit woodchucks.com
