Wausau, WIS – The Woodchucks came into this afternoon’s game back at the friendly confines of Athletic Park after going 4-2 on the six game road trip. They opened a four game home stand hosting the Rockford Rivets. The Chucks took an early lead, and though the Rivets came back, the Chucks bats broke out big and held on for the 13-5 victory
The Chucks scored three runs right out of the gates in the bottom of the 1st inning with an RBI groundout from Jaren Shelby, an RBI single from shortstop Nick Loftin, and an RBI groundout from Zach DeLoach and an RBI HBP from Cooper Swanson.
After the Rivets answered with a big five run top of the 2nd inning, the Chucks answered with an RBI groundout to make it 5-4 Rockford.
Chucks reliever Everett Hurst came into action early and pitched beautifully, going three scoreless innings striking out two and getting the win.
Chucks designated hitter Jaren Shelby added to his big day with a huge three run homer in the bottom of the 4th to give the Chucks a 7-5 lead. That was Shelby’s third homer in the last two games.
The Woodchucks offense kept on swinging in the bottom of the 5th inning with an RBI single from Catcher Dom Derenzo.
The Chucks bats really broke things open in the bottom of the 6th inning, scoring four runs. It started with a sac fly RBI from Zach DeLoach and then came a three run homer from right fielder Cooper Swanson to make it 12-5.
Jaren Shelby added another RBI with a double in the bottom of the 7th to give the Chucks a 13-5 lead. That was Shelby’s fifth RBI of the game.
The Rivets stormed back scoring six runs in the top of the 8th inning to make the score 13-11, and they added one in the 9th. However, the comeback fell short and the Chucks held on for the thrilling 13-12 win.
Top Performers
Woodchucks third basemen Brandt Broussard had himself a very nice game going 2-4 with two stolen bases and he also scored a run.
Chucks centerfielder Jaren Shelby has been on fire as of late and didn’t stop today as he went 2-3 with a three-run home run and a double. He had a five RBI afternoon and reached base five times
Chucks right fielder Cooper Swanson was in the middle of the offense all day and went 2-3 with a three run homer and reached base five times.
Next Up
The Wisconsin Woodchucks will be back home at Athletic Park on Monday July 9thas they host the Rockford Rivets. First pitch is at 6:35. It is the 6thannual eat-a-palooza. Enjoy all you can eat concessions for 19.94. For tickets, call us at 715.845.5055, stop by our front office, or visit woodchucks.com
