Northwoods Wausau Woodchucks

DeJong's milestone homer the difference as Woodchucks take game one from Kalamazoo, 7-5

Published on July 24, 2014 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wausau Woodchucks News Release


After the Kalamazoo Growlers (8-11, 21-33) had tied Thursday night's game 5-5 off a solo homerun in the bottom of the sixth inning, Woodchucks' first baseman Brendon Hayden led off the seventh inning with a sharp single to right field. Third baseman Paul DeJong wasted no time in taking advantage, blasting his league-leading 15th homerun of the year, a two-run, game-winning shot that gave Wisconsin (13-8, 31-24) a 7-5 advantage, a lead they would hold onto.

DeJong's 15th homerun was not only the game winning hit, it also gives him the title of being the Woodchucks' career leader in homeruns. The Illinois State product broke the single-season record for homers earlier this year.

There was a lot of offense early in this one, as the Woodchucks scored two in the top of the first inning on three hits. Kalamazoo countered in a big way in the bottom half, scoring four runs and sending ten to the plate, forcing Woodchucks' starter Parker Dunshee out of the game before the frame ended.

However, southpaw John Roberts came in out of the Chucks' bullpen and recorded the final out of the first, as well as four more scoreless frames in relief.

The win went to Chucks reliever Seth Davis, who improved to 3-2 by firing two innings, surrendering one run on three hits, striking out two and walking one. Lefties Austin Tribby and John Oltman fired scoreless eighth and ninth innings, respectively, with Oltman tallying his fifth save of the year.

Offensively, the Chucks got at least one hit from every hitter in their lineup, including multiple-hit efforts from center fielder Taylor Kohlwey (2-for-5), catcher Zach Arnold (2-for-5), designated hitter Jake Scudder (2-for-3), and second baseman Nate Mondou (2-for-4). DeJong led the RBI-charge, tallying three on the night.

The Woodchucks are back in action Friday night in the finale of their two-game set with the Growlers. First pitch from Homer Stryker Field is scheduled for 6:05 P.M.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Northwoods League Stories from July 24, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central