Woodchuck Rally Falls Short Against Kokomo
WAUSAU, WI – The Woodchuck bats were quiet for most of the evening in a 3-2 loss to the visiting Kokomo Jackrabbits at Athletic Park Saturday.
The Chucks gave themselves a chance to win late. After Clayton Mehlbauer drove in Kevin Kilpatrick to close the deficit to a single run in the bottom of the ninth, Wisconsin got both the game-tying and game-winning runs in scoring position with two outs.
The Woodchucks fall to 8-4 with the loss but remain atop the Great Lakes West division.
The Jackrabbits struck first with a pair of runs in the second inning, taking advantage of a bases loaded walk and single.
The Chucks got their first run on a fourth inning, two-out triple from Noah Fitzgerald in the first, scoring Bryson Hill from first base.
Kokomo made it 3-1 a frame later on a single to shallow left field.
Wisconsin’s bullpen pitched a shutout for the second consecutive night. Woodchuck relievers have not allowed a run in eight innings.
Top Performers
Starting pitcher Ryan Lobus struck out four batters in five innings pitched, allowing three runs.
Fitzgerald was 1-3 with a triple, and RBI and a sacrifice bunt.
Dante Chirico pitched three and 1/3 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and walking nobody. He logged a strikeout in his appearance.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
