For three Wisconsin teams, the second half of the season got off to a good start with a win on July 4th, as Lakeshore, Kenosha, and Eau Claire picked up victories on Wednesday.
Kenosha 8, Fond du Lac 2 - After finishing the first half sub-.500, the Kenosha Kingfish (14-21) got off on the right foot winning 8-2 over the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders (21-15). The offense was productive early and often scoring five runs in the first three innings of the ballgame.
Lakeshore 4, Kalamazoo 3 - The Lakeshore Chinooks began the second half of their season and ended Independence Day in style with a 4-3 victory against the Kalamazoo Growlers on Wednesday. The win is Lakeshore’s first against the Growlers since the second day of the season. With the game tied at three entering the ninth inning, first baseman Dallas Beaver led off the inning with a double, his second of the game. Two batters later, right fielder Zach Clayton’s RBI single up the middle brought Beaver home, and the run held as the game-winner, as right-hander Nick Campe pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth to earn the win in relief.
Eau Claire 13, Thunder Bay 6 - The Eau Claire Express (1-0) had a big offensive night, providing fireworks of their own on Independence Day. They started the second half of the season on the right track with a 13-6 victory over the Thunder Bay Border Cats (0-1).
Battle Creek 7, Madison 0 - The Madison Mallards (0-1, 28-9) fell to the Battle Creek Bombers (1-0, 17-19) on Wednesday afternoon at Warner Park. The Mallards could only manage four hits and were shutout for the first time this season. Battle Creek starter Chase Wheatcroft worked 5.0 scoreless frames and struck out six before giving way to Kevin Hahn and the rest of the Battle Creek bullpen.
Full recap of yesterday's action:
Here's a preview of upcoming games around the Northwoods League:
Battle Creek (17-19, 1-0) at Madison (28-9, 0-1) - 6:05 p.m.
Standings: Won South Division First Half Title - 3.5 GA for #1 Playoff Seed
The Mallards take on the Bombers for game two of their series at Warner Park at 6:05 PM.
Lakeshore (17-19, 1-0) at Kalamazoo (24-12, 0-1) - 6:05 p.m.
Standings: 1.5 GB for Wild Card - 0 GB for Second Half Division Title
The Chinooks remain in Kalamazoo Thursday for the second game in the two-game set against the Growlers. Brendan McGuigan takes the mound for Lakeshore and will look to right the ship after a pair of rocky starts. Still, the right-hander is 1-1 with a 2.25 earned run average this season. McGuigan threw two scoreless innings in relief against the Growlers early in the season. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m.
Kenosha (14-21, 1-0) at Fond du Lac (21-15, 0-1) - 6:35 p.m.
Standings: 4 GB for Wild Card - 0 GB for Second Half Division Title
The Kingfish continue their short road trip in Fond du Lac Thursday with a 6:35 p.m. game against the Dock Spiders. Cale Cuddie (UW-Stevens Point) is the probable starter for Kenosha.
Thunder Bay (13-24, 0-1) at Eau Claire (14-22, 1-0) - 6:35 p.m.
Standings: 7.5 GB for Wild Card - 0 GB for Second Half Division Title
Eau Claire is home again Thursday evening against the Thunder Bay Border Cats. First pitch is slated for 6:35 pm.
Video: Northwoods League (Video posts each morning here)