A Double Header Sweep – Chucks Float 14 Runs on Rafters
The Chucks and Rafters completed four straight games against each other today, with the Chucks coming out on top 14-6 in game two of the double header at Witter Field. The Chucks sweep the Rafters in back-to-back series after putting up a total of 50 runs in that stretch.
Travis Lutz (Bradley U) made his first appearance of 2024, as the right hander played for the Chucks last season as well. His first two innings were scoreless, and he found three K’s.
The Chucks offense would give Lutz the lead in the 4th inning by crossing two runs. Vance Sheahan (U of South Carolina Upstate) and Bryce Hubbard (Georgia) both had doubles. Sheahan and Edian Espinal (UCF) both scored runs and the Chucks led 2-0.
The Chucks would score again in the very next inning, as Jake Berkland (Mankato St.) came around on a bases loaded walk. Hayden Christiansen broke it open with a two-out two RBI single. He would score on a wild pitch and the Chucks led 6-0.
The inning continued as Brady Jurgella (Mankato St.) batted home Luke Pemberton (Pepperdine) and Jonah St. Antoine (U of Pittsburg) with a single up the middle. Two walks followed by singles by Espinal and Hubbard brought home Berkland, who led off the inning, and Jurgella. It’s the second nine run 5th inning of the day, as the Chucks did the same in game one. The Chucks allowed one in the bottom half and led 11-1 after five.
Garrett Brogdon (Simpson U) would come in to pitch the 6th inning after Jett Slepak (UCF) went two IP with two K’s. The middle infield went 5-4-3 to complete an inning-ending double-play.
The 7th inning saw two more Chucks runs, as Berkland and Espinal each scored for the third time on another Hayden Christiansen two RBI single. The hit was Christiansen’s second as he found his third and fourth RBI. Chucks led 13-1 in the 7th.
The Chucks allowed three in the bottom of the 7th but stole one right back as Sheahan batted home Pemberton to make it a 14-4 ball game.
The Chucks allowed two more runs in the 8th and had a 14-6 lead heading to the final half inning. Garrett Lott (Bossier Parish Comm. College) came into a non-save opportunity. The game ender came on a double play where Espinal tagged the runner then gunned it to first to close the door.
###
The Wausau Woodchucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 350 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.woodchucks.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Woodchucks as your favorite team.
*********************************************************************
2023-24 Area Conference Schedules: Conference and Team Links
Know some top athletic performances? Seeing some great teams in action?
We can use your help, and it’s simple. Witness some great performances? Hear about top athletes and top teams in our area?
Athlete of the Week and Team of the Week:
Nominate an athlete or team: HERE
**********************************************
Pancakes or Waffles! We feature top area athletes with our world-renowned feature. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
College Athlete Roundup! We want to recognize student-athletes from the area who are competing at the college level. Send us information on college athletes from the area with our simple form HERE
Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach, or difference maker who we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HERE
Baked or Fried! We also feature difference makers throughout central Wisconsin: coaches, booster club leaders, administration, volunteers, you name it. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
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]
