Baseball / Monarchs Fall Short in Both Games of Doubleheader

Monarchs Fall Short in Both Games of Doubleheader

Date:  Source: Michigan Monarchs
 
Monarchs Fall Short in Both Games of Doubleheader with Only 12 Players
Garrett Pog - 7-01-23
 
Yesterday was not fun at all. I wish I could say this was hyperbole but…it’s not.
 
It was a humid 89 degrees at first pitch, there was miscommunication amongst the players, coaches, and fans, and everyone had just about had it with the losing woes of the Michigan Monarchs (6-12). Unfortunately, the losing streak continued, and that makes the Monarchs just 2-7 since ⅔ of the team was shipped off to Alaska to compete in the Alaska Baseball League.
 
The Muskegon Clippers (15-2) beat the Monarchs 17-2 in the opener, with Josh Castillo earning the loss by giving up 11 ER in just 2 innings. After allowing 5 hits and 7 walks, it was time for Peter Riley and co. to make a change, which involved bringing in someone who had never pitched on a collegiate level.
 
Mason Malysz, a Howell native, accepted an invitation to join the team just last week when it looked like they were going to need some help during the 2-week Alaska stretch. He’ll be able to tell his coach at Schoolcraft that he could potentially be a 2-way player, after only giving up 5 runs in as many innings, and throwing 100 pitches to get the Monarchs through the end of the first game.
 
The Clippers dominated at the plate, as every batter had crossed home plate by the 3rd inning. Luke Kerrins led the way in the 9-spot, hitting 3-of-5 with 2 runs and 3 RBI. Daniel Gutierrez earned the win, allowing just 2 runs in 5 innings pitched.
 
The Clippers won the second game 5-1, with both pitchers going the distance for both teams. Jake Peer, who earned the league’s first 9-inning complete game shutout in over 2 years just last week, earned the loss against the high-powered Muskegon offense, only giving up 4 ER in the process. Jack Decker, who looks like he could be an All-Star Starter, only gave up 6 hits, and threw 9 strikeouts to give the Clippers the highest win total in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.
 
The Monarchs are tired of losing, so thankfully they will have Head Coach Kelton Caldwell and Pitching Coach Adam Castillo back Sunday night at home against the Jet Box. Some of the team that is in Alaska will join them, with everyone coming back together on the 4th of July. Sunday’s home game will start at 7:05 pm, and you can catch the game live at Lake Trust Stadium or online at michmonarchs.com.
 
Photo courtesy of Nolan Gerou.
 
You can contact Garrett Pog at garrettpog@gmail.com.