TRAVERSE CITY -- Kalamazoo pushed across two runs in the top of the ninth Thursday night to edge the Traverse City Beach Bums 3-1 in the finale of a three-game set at Wuerfel Park.
The Kings, who lead the East Division with a 26-13 record, tied the game with two outs in the eighth on a Josh Short home run that hit the foul pole in right. That was about the only mistake Beach Bums starter Kevin Reese made on the night. Reese pitched a four-hitter over eight innings before he was lifted for David Hurst to start the ninth.
Brandon Anderson greeted Hurst with a leadoff infield single. He promptly stole second. After Hurst struck out Kyle Higgins, Joe Ramos and Tim Brown walked -- Ramos intentionally -- to load the bases.
Jeff Williams was then summoned to replace Hurst. He got Brendan Murphy to bounce to short. The Beach Bums tried to turn an inning-ending double play but second baseman Al Barbato's relay throw to first was off the mark, allowing a second run to score.
Traverse City scored its lone run in the fourth. Mike Epping doubled down the rightfield line and came in on John Alonso's single to left.
The Beach Bums, who dropped below .500 at 19-20, scored just one run in the last 18 innings of the series. Traverse City mustered just five hits.
Dan Baerlocher, the third of four Kings' pitchers, earned the win. Hurst suffered the loss.
Kalamazoo starter Brandon Parillo allowed one run in his seven innings of work.
Traverse City returns to action tonight, hosting the Midwest Sliders. David Nathanson (1-5, 5.17) takes the hill for the Beach Bums. He'll be opposed by James Albury.
Print this story
E-mail this story
