Spitters Squander Early Lead, Drop Game One
August 14, 2022 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Traverse City Pit Spitters News Release
Kalamazoo, MI - In game one of the 2022 Northwoods League Playoffs, the Traverse City Pit Spitters dropped the series opener 5-4 to the Kalamazoo Growlers.
In a best-of-3 series, the Pit Spitters need to win the next two games to stay alive and advance.
Sam Tackett got the scoring started in a big way early. In the top of the second, Tackett took a 2-0 pitch over the left field wall for a no-doubt home run. It was his second of the season and first of the playoffs.
Kalamazoo got one run back on a fielder's choice in the bottom of the third, making the score 2-1. But in the top of the fourth, the Pit Spitters struck for another pair of runs. Evan Orzech tripled into the right field corner to score a run. He came around on Brennen Dorighi's infield single, making it 4-1 Traverse City.
The Growlers tacked one on with a single in the bottom of the fifth and made it a one-run game with a two out solo home run in the sixth.
Aren Gustafson led the way on the mound. The midseason and postseason All-Star tallied five strikeouts in five innings. He allowed two runs on four hits and three walks. He left the game in line for the victory but ended up with a no decision.
Kalamazoo would take their first lead of the game in the bottom of the seventh. Swinging on 3-0, Anthony Stephan hit a two-out, two-run homer to right field, giving his team a 5-4 lead. That would prove to be the difference in the game.
The Pit Spitters had their chances in the game. They had second and third with just one out in the sixth. An infield popout and strikeout would halt the potential rally. They put the tying run on base in the ninth but struck out to end the game.
Up Next
With its back against the wall, Traverse City turns to Aaron Forrest (4-1, 2.57) for game two at home. First pitch at Turtle Creek Stadium is 7:05.
Northwoods League Stories from August 14, 2022
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