Sports stats



Northwoods Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

Rafters Slide Continues Against 'Frogs

June 12, 2012 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters News Release


Wisconsin Rapids, WI - June 11, 2012 - It was close once again. But close doesn't count in baseball. The Rafters (5-8) fell to 1-5 in one-run contests coming up short late once again, this time to Green Bay, by the score of 5-4.

The Rafters struck first tonight, chasing Bullfrog starter Christian Cecelio after just one inning. The southpaw threw 39 pitches, which took him out of the game by NWL rule (the rule states that a pitcher cannot return for an inning after throwing 35 or more pitches in one inning). The Rafters didn't hit him hard enough though. A double from Sean Godfrey (SO, Ball State University) was the beginning of a stretch of three Rafters to reach in the first. Godfrey scored on a wild pitch, but then, with two in scoring position, Cecilio got a strikeout and a groundout to end the first.

Cole Webb (SO, Coffeyville CC) was good but not great in his third start. The right-hander from Norman, OK scattered eight hits over six innings. He only gave up only one run though and left with the game tied.

In relief, lefty Robb Woodcock was stellar in relief of Cecelio. In 5.2 IP, Woodcock allowed just a pair of runs, one of them was unearned, and it wasn't until his 5th inning of work.

The Rafters had a chance to take a lead in the sixth when Nick Ammirati (JR, Mississippi State Univ.) drove a ball over Nick Stein's head and the Rafters' catcher made it all the way to third. Unfortunately, Ammirati never touched first base, and on appeal, he was called out. The missed opportunity, one of many once again by Wisconsin Rapids who left on eight runners, would prove to be costly. As would Green Bay's 8th inning insurance run.

Down two, the Rafters got a run on a single by Michael Jurgella (FR, St. Cloud State) with the corners covered to cut the lead to 5-4. That's all the Rafters would get though, as, going to the bullpen once again, the Bullfrogs' Bud Jeter got a 6-3 double-play on a high-chopper up the middle from Colin Bray (FR, Univ. of South Alabama). The ball was placed perfectly for the Green Bay shortstop Ransom Lalonde, who was able to step on second as he fielded the ball to seamless turn two.

Another close loss didn't affect manager Jake Martin any more than the next one: "A loss is a loss. I hate losing. It doesn't make a difference if it's by one or a lot, none of `em are fun. It was close and we let it get away," said Martin following the game.

Alex Bacon's (SO, Univ. of North Florida) 12-game on base streak was snapped as the outfielder went 0-4 with an RBI. Justin Seagar's nine-game hitting streak was snapped as well, as the first baseman was the only Bullfrog to not get a hit in twelve-hit barrage laid on Wisconsin Rapids' staff.

The Rafters (5-8) travel to Green Bay (6-7) tomorrow. First pitch is at 7:05 from Joannes Stadium. The Rafters will return home Wednesday to take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks.

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. 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. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.

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

Northwoods League Stories from June 12, 2012


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