Northwoods Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

Mallards Use Big Eighth Inning, Sweep Rafters, 4-2

Published on June 5, 2013 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters News Release


Wisconsin Rapids, WI- The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters offense combined for just three hits while seven Rafters went hitless, as Wisconsin Rapids dropped their second consecutive game to the Madison Mallards, 4-2.

The Mallards scored four unanswered runs from the third inning on, while striking out eight, and combined for eight hits to earn their first two-game winning streak of the season. The win improved the Mallards to 4-3 on the season and dropped the Rafters to below .500 for the first time since May 30.

The game started off promising as Rafters starter and Texas A&M hurler, Greg Maisto, tossed four and two-thirds innings while fanning three Duck hitters. The Rafters offense struck for two early runs as Taylor Stell led the Rafters first inning off by taking a pitch off his front shoulder. Stell, the Northwood's league-leader in stolen bases, swiped second to record his team-leading ninth stolen base through just seven complete games. With Stell at second, Zack Belanger, ripped an RBI single to left field to plate Stell from second base and give the Rafters their first lead over the Mallards in eight innings, 1-0.

The Rafters would respond with another run in the bottom of the second as Mallards starter, Justin DAmato, after striking out the first batter of the second, walked the next three batters in the second inning to give the Rafters the bases loaded. Stell, after scoring the Rafters first run, came to the plate and hit a deep fly ball to center field as the Mallards, Anthony Checky, made a nice hustling grab for the second out. The ball was deep enough as Stell was awarded with an RBI sacrifice fly, his fourth of the year. Cort Brinson plated the run, giving the Rafters a 2-0 advantage.

The Rafters offense would stall after the second as they muscled just two more singles the rest of the way. Neither team recorded an extra-base hit in the contest.

The Mallards plated single runs in the top of the third and fifth inning as the Rafters used three pitchers after Maisto left the game in the first. Indiana State product, Nick Kolarik, was summoned from the bullpen to face Mallards designated hitter, Luke Meeteer. Kolarik retired Meeteer on a softly hit ball to second base, ending the Mallard threat, 2-2.

Kolarik would work a scoreless sixth and seventh inning before running into trouble in the eighth as Mike Fitzgerald and Meeteer ledoff the eight with back-to-back singles that gave the Mallards runners at first and second. The Mallards would score two runs as Mike Reuvekamp mashed a two-RBI up the left field line that plated Fitzgerald and Anthony Checky. The two runs scored would be the winning runs as the Mallards swept the short home-and-home series, two games to none.

The Rafters will continue their five game home stand as they welcome in the Battle Creek Bombers on Thursday evening at Witter Field for the first of two games at Witter Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Fans can listen on-air as Rafters first year broadcaster, Aaron Berlin, calls the action from Witter Field.

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 5, 2013


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