Latest News

Published On: July 22nd, 2021

Woodchucks Hold off Chinooks After First Inning Homers

July 22, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jake Herman, Radio Broadcasting & Media Relations Intern

Contact: Austin Pert, Public Relations Intern

radio@woodchucks.com

Woodchucks Hold off Chinooks After First Inning Homers

WAUSAU, WI – In their first game after the All-Star Break, the fans at Athletic Park could’ve mistaken the beginning of Thursday night’s game for a home run derby.

But it was situational pitching that was decisive in the Wisconsin Woodchuck’s 6-5 win over the Lakeshore Chinooks.

Nate Madej–making his first relief appearance of the season–had to work around both the tying and go-ahead Lakeshore runners in scoring position with two outs in the ninth. But a strikeout and popout induced sent the 1,498 fans home happy.

The Woodchucks hit two three-run home runs in the bottom of the first inning against the Lakeshore Chinooks. Stephen Reid’s big fly scored Brock Watkins and Gino Groover. And in his first at bat as a Chuck, Ryan Sepede launched a ball to deep center, bringing home Jacob Burke and Anthony Catalano.

That would be enough for the Woodchucks, who wouldn’t see the scoreboard again but held on for the 6-5 win. Wisconsin is now 30-19 overall and 9-5 in the second half of the 2021 season. The Chucks also move into a tie for first place in the Great Lakes West Second Half.

The Chinooks plated Thursday’s first run on a fielders choice. They added a trio of runs in the fourth, two by RBI single and one off a sacrifice fly. A Chinooks’ solo home run in the seventh made it 6-5.

Peyton Schofield was the Wisconsin starter and was credited with three earned runs in as many innings pitched.

Top Performers

Murrah pitched three innings and struck out two, allowing an earned run and picking up the win.

Madej struck out four in two scoreless innings and earned his first save in 2021.

Reid hit a three-run homer on his way to going 1-4 with a walk.

Sepede added a three-run home run while going 1-3 with a sacrifice bunt.

Groover was 2-5 with a run and a double.

Next Up

The Chucks and Chinooks are back in action Friday night at 6:35 p.m. Spend your Friday night at the ballpark and enjoy post-game fireworks presented by Bone & Joint.

For tickets, call us at 715.845.5055, stop by our front office, or visit woodchucks.com.

###

The Wisconsin Woodchucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The 27-year old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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 200 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (TOR).  All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.woodchucks.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Woodchucks as your favorite team.