Sports stats



Northwoods Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

Rafters Ride a Nine-Run Eighth to a 15-11 Victory

June 20, 2024 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters News Release


Wisconsin Rapids Rafters' Jack Mathey on game night
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters' Jack Mathey on game night
(Wisconsin Rapids Rafters)

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. - Chalk it up as another huge comeback win for Wisconsin Rapids. This time it took a four-hour marathon at Witter Field, but the Rafters got it done.

They were down 6-3 in the sixth and tied it up with a three-run frame. Jack Mathey laced a two-run homer in his return to the lineup, and Greyson Shafer scored on an errant throw to third base with two outs.

And then in the bottom of the eighth, the dam completely broke.

With two runners on, Trotter Boston launched a go-ahead homer to give the Rafters a three-run lead. But the fun didn't stop there. Owen McElfatrick roped an RBI single, then a few batters later Max McGwire crushed a grand slam to increase the lead to 14-6. Walker Buchanan would then go back-to-back with a solo shot.

"I just got the pitch I wanted... I was really excited that I was able to put the team up top and start a rally," said Boston postgame. "We're starting to put at-bats together... I'm just excited to keep playing the way we're playing."

Rafter's bullpen arms Noah Rodriguez and Nick Perry would make things a bit more interesting by allowing five runs in the ninth, including ceding a grand slam by Cayden Wotipka, but Perry would seal the deal with a flyout.

Ricky Williams got the start for Wisconsin Rapids and allowed three earned runs in three innings pitched. Brandon Scott took the baton for 1.2 innings and gave up three, and Sidney Ferry cleaned things up with 2.1 scoreless frames. Kyle Bender carded an important scoreless eighth with the game tied at six as well.

Other standout performances on offense include Owen McElfatrick blasting his first homer as a Rafter, Greyson Shafer taking six walks, and Buchanan finishing 3-4 with the homer and five runs scored.

The win bumps Wisconsin Rapids up to 10-11, and with Lakeshore's loss to Wausau the Rafters have leapfrogged them for third in the Great Lakes West standings. Next up for WR is a day/night doubleheader against Wausau on Thursday. Andy Jachim will have the call on WFHR - 97.5 FM, 1320 AM.




Images from this story

Wisconsin Rapids Rafters' Jack Mathey on game night
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters' Jack Mathey on game night
   

• Discuss this story on the Northwoods League message board...

Northwoods League Stories from June 20, 2024


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central