Northwoods Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

Rafters Add Mound Depth, Sign Three Hurlers

Published on April 21, 2011 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters News Release


Wisconsin Rapids, WI - April 21, 2011. The Rafters announced today that they have added a trio of pitchers to the 2011 team. Right-hander Brett Ash (Washburn University), lefty Evan Stermer (North Florida), and Zach Mercer (Santa Barbara) will don the Rafters red this summer.

RHP-Brett Ash, 6'3", 195 lbs (R/R) Sophomore, Washburn University

Ash has been a workhorse for Washburn University this spring, as he has appeared in eight games, making seven starts, while logging four complete games. Spanning 47.1 innings on the mound, Ash has recorded 30 strikeouts and carries an even 4-4 record with a 4.75 ERA.

As a freshman, Ash made nine starts and was third on the team with three wins, while registering a 4.19 ERA. He struck out 35 batters in 53.2 innings of work, including a career-high seven strikeouts against Truman State. He was also named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll his freshman year.

A 2009 graduate of Washburn Rural High School in Topeka, Kansas, Ash was named to the 2009 All-City baseball team as a senior. He earned second team All-City and third team All-State honors in basketball his senior year as well.

LHP/1B-Evan Stermer, 6'1", 215 lbs (L/L) Junior, North Florida

Stermer is appearing in his first action for North Florida this spring, after spending his freshman and sophomore seasons at Palm Beach Community College. He has appeared as both a pitcher and designated hitter for North Florida, posting a 2.08 ERA on the mound while batting .202 with 4 home runs, 17 RBI, and a .333 on-base percentage at the plate.

During his two seasons at Palm Beach Community College, Stermer helped the Panthers to a 71-35 record and guided his team to the 2010 Conference Championship. He earned Second Team All-District honors as a sophomore and Honorable Mention All-District accolades as a freshman.

Stermer attended Wellington High School in Florida, where he helped lead the Wolverines to the District Championship in 2008. He boasted a 6-0 record on the mound with a 2.90 ERA as a senior and was named Second Team All-District that year.

RHP-Zach Mercer, 6'3", 205 lbs (R/R) Freshman, Santa Barbara

Mercer is a graduate of Agoura High School in California where he was a two-time All-Marmonte League Honorable Mention selection. As a senior he went 5-2 with a 2.76 ERA, striking out 75 batters in 72 innings pitched on the mound. He also recorded 4 saves for the Chargers. As a junior, Mercer posted a 3-2 record to go along with a 3.10 ERA. In 55 innings pitched, he struck out 60 batters and recorded 3 saves.

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 2011. Opening Day at Historic Witter Field is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1 at 7:05pm vs. the Madison Mallards. The 2011 Marshfield Clinic Northwoods League All-Star Game will be held in Wisconsin Rapids. The All-Star festivities will begin on Sunday, July 17th with the Marshfield Clinic Home Run Health Fest beginning at 2pm. On Monday, July 18th the Northwoods League North Division All-Stars will take on the All-Stars from the South Division in the League's 17th Annual All-Star contest beginning at 7:05pm. Mark your calendars, as single game tickets will go on sale beginning Saturday, April 30th.

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