KALAMAZOO, Mich. — For the second time in the last three years, the Kalamazoo Growlers are champions of the Northwoods League.

The Growlers defeated La Crosse 8-7 in 14 innings in extra innings at Homer Stryker Field on Thursday night.

With one out in the bottom of the 14th inning, Brandon Sanchez hit a long fly ball to left field that was caught by RJ Hamilton. Gabe Springer came in from third base and scored the winning run, easily batting away the throw from the outfield.

On the doorstep:Growlers host Northwoods League championship game for first time in history

Bryce Brassfield got the win on the mound for Kalamazoo, but was part of an impressive performance from the Growlers’ pitching staff as a whole: The guys on the mound allowed just two earned runs in 14 innings, allowed just 10 hits and managed 15 strikeouts. Aaron Robertson led the way with seven strikeouts.

Travis Ilitch went 3-for-5 with one run scored, while Lawson Knight went 1-for-3 with one walk and three runs scored.

The win gave Kalamazoo its second Northwoods League title in the last three years, as the Growlers defeated Duluth 8-2, almost two years to the day after the franchise won its first championship.