Buckley had lost seven games at home, but after bumping their record up to 8-15 on Tuesday that streak is in the rearview. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past the Suttons Bay Norsemen 7-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Bears have posted since May 13th.
Landon Kulawiak made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in 11 consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases and two runs. He is becoming a predictor of Buckley's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 4-2 (and 4-13 when he doesn't).
Parker Witzke
| 05/20/25 @ Onekama | 4 |
| 05/06/25 vs Glen Lake | 4 |
| 04/22/25 vs Benzie Central | 4 |
| 05/16/25 vs St. Mary | 3 |
| 04/24/25 @ Frankfort | 3 |
| + 4 more games |
In other pitching news, Parker Witzke looked comfortable as he struck out six batters over three innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off only two hits (and only one walk). He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Buckley is 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 6-14 otherwise.
Back at the plate, Danzik McEachern was excellent, going 1-for-2 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in April. Jud Rath was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run.
As for Suttons Bay, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost six of their last seven matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-14 record this season. They just can't catch a break and have now endured three losses in a row.
On Suttons Bay's side, Gavin Schichtel was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up three earned (and four unearned) runs off eight hits (and only one walk). The dominant performance also gave Schichtel a new career-low in walks (one). He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Ty Brenner and Anthony Oskaboose did some serious damage despite the final result: Brenner went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI, while Oskaboose went 2-for-4 with five stolen bases and two runs.
Buckley has already played their next contest (against Bear Lake), but no score has been uploaded at the time of writing. Suttons Bay will be paying especially close attention to the Bears' game: after the Bears face off against the Lakers, they'll take on Suttons Bay again at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
