Kings walk-off with a split against Eau Claire

While they didn’t clinch the title, the Kenosha Kings were able to close out Wisconsin State League play with a celebratory scene on Sunday.

After losing the first game of their doubleheader to the Eau Claire Cavaliers, 15-7, the Kings rallied for a 4-3 walk-off victory in the second game at Simmons Field.

Trailing 3-2 entering the bottom of the seventh in Game 2, Mike Dickerson led off with a single and moved to second when Billy Johnson drew a two-out walk. Both runners came around to score when Jason Dennis ripped a double to the fence in right center. The game winner was only Kenosha’s fifth hit of the game.

“He got all of it,” Kings manager Tim Pulizzano said, “and we were due.”

The rally made a winner out of Kyle Cibrario (6-0). In seven innings, he allowed one earned run on six hits and no walks while striking out five.

With the wind blowing out in the opener, the Cavaliers put together a six-run fourth inning and a five-run seventh. They also benefited from three two-out errors by the Kings.

Dealing with back issues, Randy Johnson was tagged for 10 runs (eight earned) on seven hits and four walks in 3 1/3 innings. He struck out six.

Brandon Jeffery gave up five unearned runs in 3 2/3 innings of relief.

Paul Pulera went 3-for-4 with an RBI and Travis Vanderwall went 2-for-4 to lead the Kenosha offense.

The Kings finished in third place in the State League at 15-10 as the Lombard Orioles won their 11th consecutive championship.

Kenosha (30-14 overall) hosts the Homestead Ranchers in a non-league game 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Simmons Field.

Story by: The Kenosha News