Mistakes Fell Loggers
Published on June 17, 2013 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
La Crosse Loggers News Release
LA CROSSE, WI - Errors. That was the story of the night for the Loggers (12-8).
Wisconsin Rapids (8-10) managed to score seven runs, just two earned, due in large part to the four errors committed by La Crosse.
It appeared the Loggers had something going right from the get-go. Right fielder Mike Nadratowski (Grand Valley State) opened with a walk. Johnny Bekakis (Long Beach State) then hit into a 5-4 fielder's choice.
Two batters later, Michael Katz (William and Mary) singled to right, putting two runners on with Max McDowell (UCONN) stepping to the plate. The designated hitter hit the first pitch fastball well, but it was right to the Rafters' left fielder for the third out of the inning.
Grant Yost (Sacramento City CC) seemed to be in a groove heading into the third. After getting six out of the first eight batters he faced out, a leadoff walk to George Ragsdale shifted the momentum to the Rafters.
A sacrifice bunt by Taylor Stell put Ragsdale on second with just one down. Two batters late Jonathan Moroney singled in the first run of the game and Wisconsin Rapids never looked back.
In the top of the fourth Yost issued another walk, this time to third baseman Erik Payne. After striking out Cort Brinson, the Appleton native gave up a double to Charlie Curl. Brandon Defazio attempted to throw out Payne at home and Curl simultaneously tried to advance to third. Yost fielded the throw and errantly threw the ball into left field, scoring Curl and giving Wisconsin Rapids a 3-0 lead.
What easily could have been a one-two-three inning in the top of the fifth turned into four more runs for Rapids. Yost induced three consecutive groundballs to start the inning, but two errors by third baseman Connor Teykl allowed Stell and Moroney both to reach base. Three consecutive singles pushed the Rafters' lead to 7-0.
Ben Cejka (UW-La Crosse) came on in the relief and allowed just one hit in four and one-third innings. The sophomore finished with six strikeouts and walked just one batter.
As per usual, La Crosse did not give in until the final out was recorded. The Loggers tacked on four runs in the bottom of the ninth, but it was too little too late.
Michael Katz - who left the game with an apparent ankle injury - finished the night 2-3, raising his season average to .297.
Second baseman Kevin Zak picked up a two-RBI single in the bottom of the ninth.
The Loggers will be back in action tomorrow evening at Wisconsin Rapids. Tune into the Loggers Radio Network where Micah Schroeder and Nick Rytilahti will bring you all of the action beginning at 6:35.
Northwoods League Stories from June 17, 2013
- Rox Get the Win over Willmar Monday, 8-7 - St. Cloud Rox
- Four Run Fifth Inning Carries Rafters over Loggers, 7-4. - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Border Cats win 11-3 - Thunder Bay Border Cats
- Mallards Fly Past Bombers in Opener - Battle Creek Battle Jacks
- Rox Survive Stingers' Late Swarm, 8-7 - Willmar Stingers
- Mistakes Fell Loggers - La Crosse Loggers
- Bullfrogs Lose Pitchers' Duel to Lakeshore, 3-2 - Green Bay Rockers
- Huge Fifth Inning Propels Mallards to Win - Madison Mallards
- Four-run seventh inning key as Express defeat Woodchucks 5-3 - Wausau Woodchucks
- Chinooks Pull out 3-2 Win over Green Bay Bullfrogs - Lakeshore Chinooks
- Express to host blood drive on July 2 - Eau Claire Express
- Honkers Complete Perfect Home Stand - Rochester Honkers
- Red Cross and Express Partner Up - Eau Claire Express
- Mallards Square Off Against Battle Creek - Madison Mallards
- Border Cats Woes Continue - Thunder Bay Border Cats
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