Northwoods Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

Dewees Adds Four RBI as Rafters Score Three in Eighth to Top Woodchucks, 8-7

June 20, 2013 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters News Release


Wausau, WI- Donnie Dewees had three hits, including a two-run home run in the top of the third, to propel the Rafters to a their third-straight win and seventh of the season over the Wisconsin Woodchucks, 8-7. The home run by Dewees was his third of the year and gave Dewees his first three-hit game of the season. The win moved the Rafters back to the .500 plateaus for the first time since June 4 and made the Rafters 6-1 in their last seven ballgames.

In a roller coaster game, the Rafters battled back from a one-run deficit after the Woodchucks struck for four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning as Wausau's clean-up man, John-Clay Reeves launched a grand slam over the centerfield field wall. The comeback win by the Rafters marked the fourth come-from-behind win of the year for the Rafters, and fourth of the season against the Woodchucks.

Wisconsin Rapids would strike early as Dewees reached on a walk in the first and Jonathan Moroney followed with an infield single that Madison Carter hesitated on. The misplay by Carter came on the heels one-day after the Woodchuck's shortstop made a throwing error in the bottom of the seventh in yesterday's double-header to allow the game-winning run to score. The play by Carter would be ruled a fielders choice giving Moroney first base.

The Rafters would get their first run of the game on a Zack Belanger single up the middle. The single gave Belanger his 10th RBI of the year and put the Rafters in the lead, 1-0. Wisconsin Rapids would add another run on a ground ball by Robbie Coman, earning the Cavalier his third RBI of the season.

The offensive surge would continue in the third inning after Taylor Stell began the frame with a double off the centerfield wall. The extra-base hit was Stell's fourth of the year as Dewees would follow with a home run to right, making the score, 4-0.

The Woodchucks would add a run in the bottom of the third on an RBI single by Reeves up the middle. The RBI single was part of a five RBI performance for the Woodchucks catcher that included a three-hit night and a home run.

The big tipping point would come in the top of the eighth inning after the Woodchucks struck for four runs in the bottom of the seventh to take the lead, 6-5. Jackson Slaid pinch-hit in the eighth for Marcus Wheeler and reached base on a passed ball. With Slaid at first, Charlie Curl would reach on an infield single to Carter, giving the Rafters runners at first and second with Stell at the plate. Stell would reach on a hit-by-pitch, giving the Rafters the bases loaded with one out. Dewees followed with his third hit of the day by roping a single up the middle, plating two Rafter runners and making the score, 7-6. The single by Dewees gave the North Florida prospect four RBI on the evening. Dewees and Stell would advance to second and third on a the throw home and Stell would come home on a wild pitch, plating another run and making the score, 8-6.

The Rafters would hang on for the win as Nick Pettus tossed the eighth and ninth innings to earn his second save of the season. The win tied a season-high three-game winning streak and gave the Rafters their seventh win of the season on the road and was the third of the year at Athletic Park.

The Rafters will continue their six-game road trip tomorrow when they travel to Eau Claire and Carson Park to begin a three-game series with the Eau Claire Express. The meeting will be the first of the season between the two clubs, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Fans can listen to tomorrow's 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.



Northwoods League Stories from June 20, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central