"Traverse City's Late Rally Shocks Undefeated Kalamazoo in 2026 Showdown"

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Traverse City Pit Spitters earned a 7-5 victory over the Kalamazoo Growlers in game two of the 131 Rivalry Series, surviving a late comeback attempt after taking control in the seventh inning.

Both teams opened the scoring with sacrifice flies in the first inning, ending the frame tied at 1-1. Pitchers Jack Crittendon and Jake Ickes settled in after the early runs, keeping the game close through the middle innings.

Kalamazoo moved ahead 2-1 in the fifth when Nick Frontino delivered an RBI single off Connor Kelly.

The game turned in Traverse City’s favor in the seventh inning. After Crittendon left the mound, the Pit Spitters attacked the Growlers bullpen for four runs. The biggest hit came from Ethan Guerra, who drove a bases-loaded single through the right side to help give Traverse City a 5-2 lead.

The Pit Spitters added two more runs in the eighth inning after a Kalamazoo error extended the frame, pushing their advantage to 7-2.

Kalamazoo responded in the bottom of the eighth, loading the bases with nobody out and scoring three runs to cut the deficit to 7-5. The Growlers, however, left the bases loaded and were unable to complete the rally.

After Preston Cosby retired Traverse City in order in the top of the ninth, Kalamazoo threatened again in its final at-bat. Peter Heintz led off with a single, and after two outs, Hutson Chance drew a walk and Charlie Wortham was hit by a pitch to load the bases.

With the game on the line, Pit Spitters closer Sam Pollack forced a flyout to secure the 7-5 win for Traverse City.

Both teams created opportunities throughout the afternoon, but the Pit Spitters’ four-run seventh inning proved to be the difference as Traverse City evened the rivalry series at one game apiece.