The Wisconsin Woodchucks could never get things going offensively, as they fell to the Lakeshore Chinooks, 2-1, Wednesday night at Kapco Park.
The Woodchucks (21-13, 39-29) sent the minimum to the plate through the first five and two-thirds innings, before second baseman Zak Leighton singled to left field and center fielder Taylor Kohlwey walked.
The only real threat offensively for the Chucks came in the ninth inning. Kohlwey led off and walked. With one out, first baseman Brendon Hayden walked and third baseman Paul DeJong was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Designated hitter Blair Beck drove home a run with a walk, cutting the Woodchucks’ deficit to 2-1. However, catcher Zach Arnold popped out and shortstop Ryan Howard struck out, ending the game.
Lakeshore’s (25-8, 49-18) pitching dominated throughout. Starting righty James Teague fired four scoreless innings, surrendering just two hits and striking out two. Fellow righty Sterling Koerner picked up the win in relief, tossing three scoreless innings. Lefty Hunter Devall picked up his second save of the year in the pressure-filled ninth.
The Woodchucks got another stellar start from righty Alex Phillips, who gave up two runs on four hits in five and two-thirds innings, striking out four and walking two. Offensively, Wisconsin managed just three hits on the night, singles from Leighton, Kohlwey and Blair Beck.
The Woodchucks are back in action on Thursday night, as they take on the Duluth Huskies in the first of two in Duluth. First pitch is scheduled 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.
