
Rafters Travel to Kalamazoo for Two with Growlers
June 18, 2016 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters News Release
Kalamazoo, Mich. - Riding the momentum from a two-game home sweep of the Kalamazoo Growlers (10-8), the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (10-7) take to the road for the first of two games in Michigan against the same Growlers club. Following consecutive victories over the Growlers at Witter Field, the Rafters succeeded in passing Kalamazoo in the South Division standings and now sit alone in second place, 1.5 games behind the Madison Mallards (11-6). The latest meeting between the teams offers the Rafters a chance to build their advantage in the season series with Kalamazoo.
To this point in their split four-game tilt with the Growlers, the Rafters have been the beneficiaries of tremendous pithing performances, surrendering only a single run in 18 innings. Taking the ball on Saturday evening will be left-hander Calvin Giese (St. Cloud State) for his second start of the season. The lefty will look to continue the recent stretch of strong starting pitching that has catapulted the Rafters up the standings, while looking to build upon his 1-2 record and 3.60 ERA. He currently sits in a tie for second on the team with 15 strikeouts.
Giese will be met by Growler right-hander Michael Brettell (Central Michigan), who is scheduled to start for the second time this summer. Entering Saturday night's action, Brettell owns a 2-0 record and a 3.37 ERA in eight innings of work. He inherits the tall task of quieting a Rafter lineup that has found its footing recently, averaging just under seven runs per game in their last four contests.
First pitch at Homer Stryker Field is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on WFHR 1320 AM.
Northwoods League Stories from June 18, 2016
- Bucks Trounce Thunder Bay, 15-9, in Series - Waterloo Bucks
- Honkers Drop Series Opener to Willmar - Rochester Honkers
- Rox Top Huskies in Shootout - St. Cloud Rox
- Loggers Outlast Kingfish 4-3 - Kenosha Kingfish
- Stefanki Powers Mallards to Walk-Off Win - Madison Mallards
- Bullfrogs Lose a Heartbreaker in Walk off Fashion - Green Bay Rockers
- Chinooks Edged by Wisconsin 1-0 - Lakeshore Chinooks
- 'Chucks Win First on Road Trip - Wausau Woodchucks
- Battle Creek Bombers Top Rockford Rivets, 7-0 - Battle Creek Battle Jacks
- Rafters Travel to Kalamazoo for Two with Growlers - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Bullfrogs Finish up Road Trip against Mallards - Green Bay Rockers
- Mallards Ready for First Matchup with Bullfrogs - Madison Mallards
- Rafters Sink Growlers in Dogfight - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Ramirez Grand Prize Propels Rox in Rain-Shortened Win - St. Cloud Rox
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