Don't count out Sussex quite yet. After pounding second-place West Bend on the Fourth of July by a lopsided 15-6 score, the playoff hopes are still alive for the Cardinals in the Land O'Lakes Western Division.
After whipping visiting West Bend last week, Sussex improved to 5-7 on the season, good for eighth place in the 12-team league. The top six teams make the playoffs at the end of the regular 18-game season.
"We finally came through at the plate," Sussex player-manager Cory Gasper said. "We've been struggling hitting the ball all year. Maybe this game will get us going. Beating West Bend keeps our playoff hopes alive."
Sussex sent a message to West Bend right from the start, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning off starter Andrew Mueller. They led 6-0 after three innings and 7-5 after the visitors rallied for five runs in the fourth.
But the Cardinals got the momentum back with one run in the sixth and seven more tallies in the seventh inning.
Cleanup hitter Todd Johnson, batting a team-best .536 on the season, was 4 for 5 with two home runs and four RBIs.
Seth Kroenke, batting .439 on the year, chipped in with three hits, as did Jason Mayer. Ryan Weissman, Scott Carberry and Nick Ghelfi each had two hits. Mayer drove in three runs and Weissman had a pair of RBIs.
Darin Leveraus pitched the first six innings and earned the win for Sussex. Travis Thompson pitched the final three frames and allowed one run.
Sussex will return to action at 1 p.m. Sunday at Menomonee Falls.
Standings
Box Score
Sussex 15, West Bend 6
Source: www.livinglakecountry.com
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