With a few games left before the end of the first half, the Madison Mallards wrapped up a playoff spot and the South Division first half title. Kenosha and Lakeshore each won twice over the weekend to gain some momentum heading into the second half of the season.
Friday, June 29Lakeshore 10, Wisconsin Rapids 9 (11 innings) - In the bottom of the 11th, Tyler Buis knocked in the game-winning run.
Kenosha 5, Green Bay 2 - The Kenosha Kingfish only allowed one inning of scoring and defeated the Green Bay Bullfrogs 5-2.
Wisconsin 7, Madison 3 - The Wisconsin Woodchucks used a big third inning and defeated the Madison Mallards 7-3.
Willmar 6, Eau Claire 5 - The Willmar Stingers scored important runs in the seventh and eighth as they defeated the Eau Claire Express 6-5.
Saturday, June 30Madison 12, Green Bay 6 - The Madison Mallards went off in the second inning and built a lead to defeat the Green Bay Bullfrogs 12-5, which clinched them first place of the first half in the South Division.
Kenosha 12, Wisconsin Rapids 11 - The Kenosha Kingfish took the lead in the ninth with an impressive 10 runs and defeated the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 12-11.
Bismarck 5, Eau Claire 1 - The Bismarck Larks put up three in the seventh which was enough to defeat the Eau Claire Express 5-1.
Wisconsin 10, Lakeshore 5 - The Wisconsin Woodchucks scored early and often and defeated the Lakeshore Chinooks 10-5.
Sunday, July 1Madison 3, Green Bay 2 (7 innings) - The Madison Mallards took the lead in the fifth and defeated the Green Bay Bullfrogs 3-2 in seven innings after it was called due to rain.
Lakeshore 7, Wisconsin 3 - The Lakeshore Chinooks used the middle innings to take the lead and defeat the Wisconsin Woodchucks 7-3.
Bismarck 3, Eau Claire 2 - The Bismarck Larks put up three in the seventh which was enough to defeat the Eau Claire Express 5-1.
Wisconsin Rapids 16, Kenosha 5 - The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters used two five run innings and defeated the Kenosha Kingfish 16-5.
Full recap of yesterday's action:
Here's a preview of upcoming games around the Northwoods League:
Madison (26-8, 0-0) at Wisconsin Rapids (15-18, 0-0) - 7:05 p.m.
Standings: Won South Division First Half - 0 GB for Second Half Division Title
The first half champion Mallards finish the first part of the season with a two-game away and home series against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters Monday night on the road and Tuesday evening in Madison. The Tuesday July 3 home game will start at 6:05 pm.
Kenosha (12-19, 0-0) at Lakeshore (14-18, 0-0) - 1:35 p.m.
Standings: 5.5 GB for Wild Card - 0 GB for Second Half Division Title
Lakeshore returns home Monday to face Kenosha. Austin Jones takes the mound for a 1:35 start.
Kenosha (12-19, 0-0) at Lakeshore (14-18, 0-0) - 1:35 p.m.
Standings: 6 GB for Wild Card - 0 GB for Second Half Division Title
The Kingfish will continue the road trip Monday with a single game against the Lakeshore Chinooks (14-18) at 1:35 p.m.
Eau Claire (13-21, 0-0) at Willmar (21-13, 0-0) - 7:05 p.m.
Standings: 8 GB for Wild Card - 0 GB for Second Half Division Title
Eau Claire heads to Willmar Monday for a series against the Stingers with games being played on July 2nd and 3rd. The Express will welcome Thunder Bay to Carson Park for Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4th.
Video: Northwoods League (Video posts each morning here)