Whitetails take forfeit, split with Lumberjacks
Whitehall’s Jake Bjerke swung on what would be a three-run home run in the first inning of the team’s first game of a doubleheader against Chippewa Falls on Sunday. That homer proved to be the difference in the team’s 4-1 win. (Times photograph by Andrew Dannehy)
Whitehall’s Kyle Steien secured a catch for an out in right field during the team’s game against Chippewa Falls on Sunday. (Times photograph by Andrew Dannehy)
The Whitehall Whitetails amateur baseball team ended up with two wins in three games, though one came via forfeit.
The Whitetails were well into their Wednesday night game with Beef River and trailing, 3-2, before two Beef River outfielders collided. Both players were injured and Beef River didn’t have enough players to finish, giving Whitehall the win by forfeit.
A long ball and strong pitching helped the Whitetails to a 4-1 win over Chippewa Falls in the first game of a doubleheader on Sunday. In the second game, however, the Lumberjacks scored two runs in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings to win 9-5.
Whitehall is beginning its final stretch of the season this week. The team sits at 10-7 overall, third in the Chippewa River Baseball League South Division behind two teams from Eau Claire — the Bears and Cavaliers. Not far behind Whitehall is Wednesday’s opponent, Osseo, which is 11-8.
Whitehall’s last scheduled regular season games are set to take place on Sunday as the team plays at Tilden.
Whitehall 4 Chipp. Falls 1
Jake Bjerke got a hold of a pitch in the first inning and that proved to be the difference.
With Devon McCune and Ty Webb on base, Bjerke launched an offering way beyond the left field fence to put Whitehall ahead 3-0.
Connor Weltzien added an RBI double in the third inning to make the score 4-0.
Webb was in control on the mound, holding the Lumberjacks to five hits in a complete game victory. Chippewa Falls didn’t get on the board until the top of the seventh inning. Webb struck out eight without a walk in the win.
Whitehall had six hits in the game, including two by McCune.
Chipp. Falls 9 Whitehall 5
Whitehall scored first and put up a big inning late, but Chippewa Falls was in control for most of the game.
The Whitetails took a 1-0 lead on a Brayden Lisowski groundout in the bottom of the second. The Lumberjacks took the lead with two runs in the top of the third and didn’t look back.
Chippewa Falls scored two more runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to take an 8-1 advantage into the final frame. The Lumberjacks scored one more in the top of the seventh.
Whitehall put up a big inning, including a two-run double by Vince Braun, but it wasn’t nearly enough.
Brandon Sylla got the start and took the loss, allowing four runs — two earned — in 3 2/3 innings struck out four and walked one. He was relieved by Tavian Shramek in the fourth. Shramek pitched until the sixth when Lisowski took the mound and finished the game. The three pitchers combined to allow 11 hits and three walks while striking out eight. Five of the runs allowed were unearned as Whitehall committed four errors in the game.
Whitehall had six hits with six different players getting one. Braun and Webb both doubled in the game.
