MWL1 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

Rattlers shutout West Michigan to win second straight game

Published on April 10, 2014 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Thursday's game between the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and West Michigan Whitecaps at Fifth Third Ballpark moved at a quick pace and the Rattlers had the finishing kick. Wisconsin scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning to break a scoreless tie and pick up a 3-0 win over the Whitecaps. Jose Pena and Clint Coulter had the big hits for the Rattlers. Tristan Archer and Barrett Astin combined on the three-hit shutout.

Archer tossed five scoreless innings as the starting pitcher and allowed just two hits while walking three and striking out four.

But, West Michigan starter Chad Green also kept the Timber Rattlers off the scoreboard. Francisco Castillo singled with one out in the first inning. Then, Green retired the next 14 batters he faced.

The Rattlers (4-3) almost got to Green in the top of the seventh. Pena singled with two outs. Coulter was next and he lined a deep drive to left-center. The ball hit on the warning track and bounce over the wall for a ground rule double. Pena, who would have scored easily, was sent back to third base. Then, Green got the final out of the seventh inning to keep the game scoreless.

The Rattlers broke through against the West Michigan bullpen in the ninth. Francisco Castillo started the frame with a single. One out later, Taylor Brennan reached on an error and that chased reliever Matt Davenport.

The Whitecaps (3-4) brought in closer Montreal Robertson to face Pena with the game on the line. Pena dropped the first pitch from Robertson down the line in left for a double to score Castillo with the game's first run.

Coulter followed with a line drive double down the line in left on the very next pitch to score Brennan and pinch runner Michael Ratterree. The knock by Coulter put the Rattlers up 3-0.

Astin, who came on in the bottom of the sixth to relieve Archer, tossed a 1-2-3 ninth to close out the Caps. Astin allowed one hit and struck out three over his four scoreless inning to earn his second win of the season.

The victory was the second straight for the Rattlers, who are 2-1 in the first three games of their current six-game road swing.

Wisconsin continues their road trip with a three-game series at South Bend. Game one of the set with the Silver Hawks at Four Winds Field is Friday night. The Timber Rattlers send Victor Diaz (0-0, 3.00) to the mound as their scheduled starting pitcher. The Hawks plan to counter with Adam Miller (1-0, 0.00). Game time is 6:35pm CDT. Catch the action on AM1280, WNAM starting with the pregame show at 6:15pm.

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Midwest League Stories from April 10, 2014


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