Woodchucks’ Passatempo shines in NWL All-Star game

KENOSHA - The North Division held on for a 9-5 win Tuesday in the Northwoods League All-Star Game, despite the efforts of Wisconsin Woodchucks infielder Steve Passatempo.

Passtempo went 4-for-5 with three RBI to lead the South Division at Simmons Field in a game in which the teams combined for nine errors.

The North Division scored seven runs in the first inning and the game ended with Wisconsin Rapids’ Jake Lumley at the plate representing the tying run.

Lumley grounded out to second with the bases loaded to end the threat.

The North scored its seven runs on seven hits while capitalizing on three errors from the South All-Stars.

After the game’s first two runs was scored on errors, Mankato Moondogs infielder Jake Shepski drove in Eau Claire Express and Marshfield native Daulton Varsho on a single. Duluth Huskies’ infielder Carter Hanford drove home another run on a fielder’s choice.

St. Cloud Rox infielder Drew Freedman drove home a run before La Crosse Loggers’ shortstop Mason McCoy delivered a run-scoring hit.

Varsho capped the big inning by drawing a bases-loaded walk to earn an RBI.

Varsho walked twice in three plate appearances.

Rapids’ Chris Cooper started the game and only recorded one out. Cooper allowed five hits and a walk while giving up five runs, two of which were earned. Cooper did not record a strikeout and received the loss in the game.

Passatempo put the South on the scoreboard in the third inning, launching a two-run home run to score Kenosha Kingfish All-Star Marty Bechina, who won the Home Run Derby on Monday night.

Passatempo delivered his third RBI in the fifth inning, driving home Lumley.

The North added a run in the sixth and seventh inning to stretch the lead to 9-3. Both runs were aided by errors from the South All-Stars. As a team, the South recorded six errors that allowed six unearned runs.

The South scored a pair of runs in the eighth inning. After a passed ball scored the first run, Bechina drove in Mattix to cap the scoring in the All-Star Game. The South loaded the bases in the ninth inning, but Lumley grounded out to end the game.

Chucks pitcher Scott Parker retired the only batter he faced, inducing a fly out while pitching in the eighth inning.

Lumley posted two hits and scored once in six at-bats. Mattix posted three hits and drew a walk in five at-bats.

Rafters’ closer Garrett Schilling pitched in the top of the ninth inning and recorded a fly out and a strike out while not allowing a hit or walk. Reliever Cameron Busby also made the All-Star team but did not pitch in the game.