Wausau, WIS – Reese Alexiades blasted a two-run homer into the trees over the center field fence to break an 8-8 tie in the bottom of the eighth and lead the Wisconsin Woodchucks to an 12-8 win over the Kalamazoo Growlers tonight at Athletic Park.
The Growlers posted one run in the top of the first, but the Woodchucks answered right back in the bottom of the frame to tie the game at 1-1. Alexiades doubled and came in to score on Zach DeLoach’s single.
Two hits to start the third came home to score to give the Growlers a 3-1 lead. The Growlers added three runs in the fifth to build its lead to 6-1.
The Chucks exploded for seven runs in the fifth to take an 8-6 lead. Brandt Broussard led off the inning with his first home run of the season. Javier Valdes was hit by a pitch and Alexiades followed with a walk. DeLoach grounded to second, but the attempt to turn the double play was dropped and Valdes came home to score. Alex Toral was hit by a pitch to load the bases, and a sacrifice fly by Nick Loftin scored Alexiades to bring the Chucks within two. A ground rule double by Mike Ferri scored DeLoach to make the score 6-5. Dom DeRenzo capped off the seven-run inning with a three-run homer to left-center to put to Chucks in the lead.
A balk and an infield single plated two runs for the Growlers in the eighth to tie the game at 8-8.
Prior to Alexiades’ game-winner, Broussard walked to start the bottom of the eighth and Valdes replaced him at first on a fielder’s choice. The Chucks’ added two insurance runs later in the inning on a based loaded walk by Tommy Duddleston and a sacrifice fly by DeRenzo.
Top Performers
Alexiades scored three times and was 2-4 at the plate with 2 RBIs. Broussard was 2-3 and reached base three times. DeRenzo had a team-high 4 RBI.
Trey Horton went 4 2/3 innings on the mound for the Chucks, striking out four. Brandon Bachman did not allow a run in 1 1/3 innings of relief. Lenny Gwizdala pitched 1 2/3 innings out of the bullpen and got the win.
Next Up
The Wisconsin Woodchucks host Kalamazoo again on Sunday August 5th at Athletic Park. First pitch is at 3:05. Sunday is Princesses at the Park Day. Wear your best costumes and meet princesses Tiana, Ariel and Rapunzel. It will also by Woody’s Birthday Bash, presented by Culver’s. For tickets, call us at 715.845.5055, stop by our front office, or visit woodchucks.com
