Eight-Run Fourth Inning Pushes Growlers Past I-94 Rival
July 5, 2024 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Kalamazoo Growlers News Release
Kalamazoo, Mich. - In front of a sellout crowd of over 4,200 fans, the Kalamazoo Growlers (19-18, 1-1) put on a Fourth of July show, taking down its I-94 Battle Creek (20-18, 1-1) 11-4.
After a walk-off win Wednesday, the Battle Creek Battle Jacks pounced early on Growlers starter Adam Berghorst. Just two batters in, Sam Griffith connected sending his first home run of the season over the left-field wall. After a single and a double, an RBI fielder's choice by Ben Fierenzi gave the Jacks an early 2-0 advantage.
After a subpar first inning, Adam Berghorst settled in. After stranding a pair in the second, Berghorst would not give up another base hit. Across six innings, Berghorst ended with four strikeouts and keep the Growlers in the game.
Struggling early, the bottom of the fourth is where the Growlers' offense finally came to life. Kalamazoo had each of its first eight batters reach, forcing two different pitching changes. After a walk to Brock Leitgeb, Sam Harris scorched a 106 mph double into right-center field. Two singles followed by four straight walks brought Adrian Rubio in for the Creek. K-Zoo ended the inning with a two-RBI double by Trey Wells while Brock Leitgeb was caught at home trying to clear the bases. The eight-run inning is the most in a single frame all season.
K-Zoo extended its lead in the seventh. Brandon Larson jumped on a 2-0 fastball with two on and two out, sending it flying over the right-field wall for his first home run of the season.
Battle Creek answered with a Ben Fierenzi two-run home run the next inning but it would be too little too late for the Battle Jacks. August Richie closed out the ninth for the Growlers splitting the series for the Growlers
Kalamazoo begins a three-game road trip today with a pair at Historic Simmons Field to take on the Kenosha Kingfish. First pitch is set for 7:35 p.m. ET.
• Discuss this story on the Northwoods League message board...
Northwoods League Stories from July 5, 2024
- Rox Electrify Late Innings In Series-Opening Win Against Mankato - St. Cloud Rox
- Madison Mallards to Honor Chris Farley with Rebrand on Saturday - Madison Mallards
- Dock Spiders Fall Short in Series Opener to Wausau, 10-3 - Fond du Lac Dock Spiders
- Madison Mallards Rally Late to Defeat Lakeshore Chinooks - Madison Mallards
- Ten-Inning Thriller Ends in Honkers' 6-5 Loss - Rochester Honkers
- Rockford Rivets Secure Victory In High-Stakes Clash Against Rochester Honkers - Rockford Rivets
- Larks Falter on a Long Road Trip to Begin July - Bismarck Larks
- Kalamazoo Holds off Kingfish 3-2 - Kenosha Kingfish
- Express Derailed by Mud Puppies in Series Opener - Eau Claire Express
- Fireworks in Wausau as Chucks Defeat Dock Spiders - Wausau Woodchucks
- Home Run Powers Spitters to Victory - Traverse City Pit Spitters
- Eight-Run Fourth Inning Pushes Growlers Past I-94 Rival - Kalamazoo Growlers
- Rockers Travel for Series against Rafters - Green Bay Rockers
- Saying Goodbye to Seaver: A Sheets Tribute to Milwaukee - Lakeshore Chinooks
- Kingfish Fall Again in Record-Tying Loss Streak - Kenosha Kingfish
- Former Willmar Stinger Brooks Lee Debuts with the Twins - Willmar Stingers
- Former Willmar Stinger Brooks Lee Debuts with the Twins - Northwoods
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.
