Woodchucks Lose The Weekend's First Battle vs. Bombers - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

by Jayson Geiser

BATTLE CREEK, MI (WAOW) - With their sights set on first place in the South Division of the Northwoods League, the Wisconsin Woodchucks suffered a setback on Friday.  The Chucks dropped a 3-1 decision on the road against last-place Battle Creek.

SPASH grad Eric Fritz had 2 of Wisconsin's 5 hits on the night.

The Woodchucks scored first, going up 1-0 in the 1st inning.  However, the Bombers tied it in the 5th and added 2 more in the 7th to set the final score.

Bryce Shafer pitched 6 and 2/3 innings for the Chucks, giving up 7 hits but also striking out 7.  He also gave up all 3 runs, 2 of them earned.  Adrian Garza went 8 innings for Battle Creek, striking out 6 Woodchucks.

Fortunately for Wisconsin, they don't lose any ground in the division race because the top 3 teams all lost on Friday night.  That leaves the Chucks just half a game behind first place Eau Claire. 

This 3-game series in Michigan's "Cereal City" continues with games Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Online Reporter - Jayson Geiser