Northwoods Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

Bombers Nine-Run Second Inning Sinks Rafters, 9-8

Published on June 6, 2013 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters News Release


Wisconsin Rapids, WI- The Battle Creek Bombers (5-3) used a nine run second inning and hung on to beat the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 9-8 on Thursday evening at Witter Field. The loss was the third-straight of the year for the Rafters and longest of the season. The Bombers scored nine runs on fourteen hits, while committing just one error and left seven runners on base to claim their fifth win of the season. The loss dropped the Rafters to 1-2 in one-run games this season.

Rafters starter Nick Maiers, making his second appearance of the season, struggled to find his way through the second inning as the Bombers sent twelve men to the plate against the St. Cloud State product, while clubbing out eight hits in the frame. The inning ignited after Maiers retired the first four batters he faced. Maiers gave up four extra base hits and four singles while walking a batter in the second. The nine-run total was the highest run total the Rafters have allowed in a single frame this season.

Wisconsin Rapids battled back as they scored the final eight of runs of the ballgame, while having an opportunity to claim the lead in the bottom of the ninth inning with runners at first and third and no body out.

Down 9-0, Rafters manager, Jake Martin, removed Mairers from the game and summoned Saint Louis, MO. native, Forrest Herman, out of the bullpen. Herman kept the Bombers bats at bay long enough for the Rafters to make a rousing comeback. Herman worked two complete innings while facing just seven batters and issued a walk.

The Rafters would scratch across their first run in the bottom of the fourth inning as the bottom-third of the Rafter lineup drew two walks in the frame and reached on a base on ball. With the bases loaded, Texas Longhorn, Taylor Stell stepped to the plate and was plunked by a fastball, scoring the Rafters first run of the game. Wisconsin Rapids would leave the bases loaded as Battle Creek starter, Kyle Slack (0-0), struck out the next three batters, stranding three Rafters runners.

In total, the Rafters stranded seven runners throughout the game, while leaving the bases loaded.

Rafter designated hitter, Jackson Slaid, added his second home run of the year as he launched a first-pitch fastball over the left-field wall; the home run came with runners at first and second and was Slaid second three-RBI home run of the year and second multi-RBI game of the season. The home run drew the Rafters closer, 9-6.

St. Cloud State catcher, Michael Jurgella, added his first home run of the season in the bottom of the eighth. The home run by Jurgella gave the Rafters their first multi-home run night of the season and sixth long ball of the year.

The Rafters had a chance in the bottom of the ninth as Stell began the inning by reaching on a throwing error by Bombers closer, Brian Heldman. Stell dropped a bunt between the pitchers mound and third base; Heldman rushed off the mound and made an off-balanced throw that sailed over the head of Bomber first basemen, Derek Hasenbeck. The error allowed Stell to advance all the way to second.

The Rafters would draw to within one as Virginia Tech product, Erik Payne, launched his second extra-base hit into right-center field to plate Stell from the second base. The run scored by Stell drew the Rafters to within one run, 9-8. The score would stay there as the final two outs of the inning were recorded via the strikeout. Rafter hitters struck out 10 times for the second straight night and have recorded 28 strikeouts throughout the last three ballgames.

The Rafters will look to bounce back tomorrow night as they host the Bombers in the final game of a two-game series at Witter Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Fans can listen to tomorrows game by tuning into WFHR AM 1320.

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. The Rafters will play a 70 game schedule with 35 home games in 2013. Available quantities of all promotional giveaways will vary from event to event and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.  The best way to guarantee giveaway items is to purchase a 9-Game Package.  The offseason office hours are Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm.  For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.

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Northwoods League Stories from June 6, 2013


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