Northwoods Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

Mallards Use Walk-Off Win to Steal Game from Rafters Sunday

Published on July 7, 2013 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters News Release


Madison, WI- The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (20-19, 1-3) committed five errors and allowed the Madison Mallards (22-14, 3-2) to score the games final four runs to steal a victory away from the Rafters Sunday evening at Warner Park. The loss dropped the Rafters to 1-3 this season against the Mallards at Warner Park, while successfully securing the season series loss against Madison.

The Rafters held leads of, 3-0 and 6-3, but the Mallards used timely hitting combined with defensive miscues to top the Rafters. Donnie Dewees and Zack Belanger each had three hits apiece to pace the Rafters 13-hit attack. The loss was the first time this season that the Rafters had out-hit an opponent by five or more hits and claim a loss.

Sunday's ballgame was a wild affair that included two controversial home run calls. Erik Payne got Wisconsin Rapids on the board early in the fourth inning when the Virginia Tech Hokie added a three-run home to left field to give the Rafters the lead early, 3-0. The home run came after a controversial dispute over a call by home plate umpire, Matt Ball, after a fly ball that appeared to fair was called foul after hooking into the left field corner. Payne proceeded to knock the ensuing pitch over the left field wall for his eighth home run of the season.

Rafters starting pitcher, John Kravetz, was sensational throughout the ballgames first five innings as the Illinois prospect retired his first 10 batters faced and did not allow a base hit until Tate Matheny's single to begin the sixth inning. The Mallards tagged Kravetz for three hits in the inning, including an extra base hit by Brock Stewart, that evened the score, 3-3.

Despite the comeback, the Rafters responded with their second three-run inning of the ballgame when George Ragsdale and Dewees each added base hits. Jackson Slaid would reach on a walk as the Rafters loaded the bases for Robbie Coman. Coman added is seventh RBI of the season when Virginia Cavalier poked a single to left. The base hit was part of a three run innings that put the Rafters back on top, 6-3.

The lead would be short-lived as the Mallards responded with a three run frame of their own after the first three batters reached base to knock Kravetz out of the game. Drew Weeks and Mike Fitzgerald each added RBI base knocks to drive the Mallards back to even, 6-6.

The big tipping point came in the eighth inning when the Rafters loaded the bases with two outs after Taylor Stell reached on an infield hit and Dewees and Slaid each drew back-to-back walks. Coman would strikeout for the second time to end the Rafter threat with the score still tied, 6-6.

Madison's Stewart reached on a fielder's choice and scored the games-winning run after an RBI base hit flaired over the outstretched glove to give the Mallards the win, 7-6. The loss avoided the series sweep and pushed the Rafters to three games back in the Northwoods League south division standings.

The Rafters resume their six-game four-city road trip tomorrow when the Rafters travel to Battle Creek, MI for the first of a two-game series against the Bombers at C.O. Brown Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. as the Rafters send, Brandon Schmidt, to the hill for the Monday tilt. Fans can listen to tomorrow's game by tuning into the home of Rafters baseball, 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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