Northwoods Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

Rafters Record First Shutout, Top Loggers, 4-0

Published on June 4, 2013 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters News Release


LA CROSSE, WI- One day after the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters pitching staff labored through the La Crosse Loggers line up, Brad Stroik threw six strong innings and held the Loggers attack scoreless, before giving way to relief pitcher, Nick Kolarik. Kolarik tossed the final three innings and recorded his first save of the season to conclude a combined shut out of La Crosse Monday evening at Copeland Park. The shutout was the first of the season for the Rafters pitching staff and came a day after they allowed a season-high 10 runs.

Taylor Stell, batting at the top of the order for the first time, leadoff the top of the first inning by reaching base on a 3-2 count. Stell then stole second to record his team-high and league-leading seventh stolen base. Stell finished the day with eight stolen bases. Rafters short stop, Erik Payne, then reached base on a throwing error that sailed over the head of Loggers first basemen, Dexter Price. The error by the catcher allowed the Rafters first run to score and gave Wisconsin Rapids a lead, 1-0. Long Beach State prospect, Zack Belanger followed Payne with an RBI double that hugged the right field line. The double allowed Payne to score from second, making the score, 2-0.

The two runs by the Rafters offense proved to be enough as Stroik threw four innings Monday night without allowing hit. Stroik retired his first ten batters faced and struck out four, while the Rafter defense converted on three double play opportunities to allow the junior Stevens Point product to dance around trouble.

Stroik saw 15 batters before yielding way to his first hit of the night as Dexter Price, after hitting a home run in yesterday's ballgame, skipped a double off the left field wall. Brandon Castro then followed with a bouncing ball single up the middle, before the Rafters defense beared down to retire the side without allowing a run.

The Rafters offense would combine to strike for two more runs in the top of the sixth and seventh innings.

Payne began the sixth by reaching base on a base on ball. Bellanger then dropped a sacrifice bunt, advancing Payne up from first to second. Derek Gordon, the brother of Kansas City Royals left fielder, Alex Gordon, threw five and a third innings before leaving the game with an appeared injury in the sixth inning. The Rafters would tag Loggers reliever, Cameron Rowland, with an RBI single in the sixth by Texas catcher, Jeremy Montalbano. Montalbano would end the day 2-4 with an RBI.

The Rafters added a single run in the seventh inning, before Kolarik came in to record the final nine outs of the ballgame and secure the win, 4-0.

The Rafters will conclude their four game road trip tomorrow when they travel to Madison, WI to face the Madison Mallards. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 PM with the Rafters sending Texas Tech commit, Nick Pettus, to the hill.

Fans can listen to tomorrows game on 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 2012. Opening Day at historic Witter Field is scheduled for Wednesday, May 30th at 7:05 pm against the La Crosse Loggers. Reserve your 2012 ticket packages today by calling 715-424-5400, or in person by stopping by the Rafters office at historic Witter Field. 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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