Northwoods League Baseball Kicks Off Season
Wednesday, May 27th, 2015 -- 8:57 AM
The opening night of the Northwoods League's 22nd season got underway Tuesday, filled with multiple high-scoring affairs and a few pitching duels.Thunder Bay and Waterloo grooved to shutout victories, while La Crosse came out on top in front of a sell-out crowd in Green Bay. The Wisconsin Woodchucks' opener against in-state rival Wisconsin Rapids was postponed due to rain, as well as the Rochester Honkers versus the Mankato Moondogs. The defending champion Lakeshore Chinooks kicked off their season with a resilient comeback in Battle Creek.
Thunder Bay 7, Eau Claire 0
The Border Cats exploded into the 2015 season with a five run 1st inning against the Express, highlighted by 2nd Baseman Grant McKown's (Florida Tech) grand slam. McKown would end the game going 3-for-4, adding an RBI triple giving him five on the night, and winning hitter of the night honors. Thunder Bay pitcher Mike Eagan (Eckerd College) sailed comfortably to a win, throwing six solid innings, while Yuji Suzuki (Concordia) completed the shutout of the Express going three innings, receiving a save. Left Fielder Brady Burzynski (UW-Stout) was the lone bright spot for Eau Claire getting on base three times, ending the night 2-for-3 with a walk.
La Crosse 4, Green Bay 1
In front of a sell-out Green Bay crowd, the Loggers grinded out their first win of the season. La Crosse jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the 2nd inning highlighted by designated hitter Graham Spraker's (Quincy University) 2 RBI single. However both teams played to a stalemate after the 3rd inning as both teams were held in check, scoring no runs. The Loggers also received a solid first outing by starter Ben Ritchey (Sacramento City College) who threw five innings only giving up one run, and striking out six Bullfrogs, while Liam Carter (Missouri) came into the game in the 8th inning and shut the door notching his first save. Green Bay center fielder Caleb Ratzman (Illinois State) supplied the offense going 2-for-5 and being the only Bullfrog to touch home plate.
Wednesday's Schedule:
Eau Claire @ Thunder Bay (11:05 AM)
Lakeshore @ Battle Creek (12:05 PM)
Wisconsin @ Wisconsin Rapids (Double-header, two 7-inning games, start at 5:05 PM)
Waterloo @ Alexandria (6:35 PM)
St. Cloud @ Kenosha (6:35 PM)
Kalamazoo @ Madison (6:35 PM)
La Crosse @ Green Bay (6:35 PM)
Rochester @ Mankato (7:05 PM)
Willmar @ Duluth (7:05 PM)
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.