Rough Outing for the Rafters as They Drop the First Game in Kalamazoo
July 15, 2023 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters News Release
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters on game day
(Wisconsin Rapids Rafters)
Wisconsin Rapids, WI- The Rafters fall to Kalamazoo in a low scoring contest. It was a 4-1 game with only 7 combined hits. 4 to the Growlers and 3 to the Rafters.
Josh Howitt was given the start as he had an uncharacteristic day given how good of a pitcher he is. He went 4 innings and allowed a hit and a run. He threw 5 walks with 3 strikeouts as well.
The bottom of the 3rd was up and the Growlers delivered. Banks Tolley got on first from error while Mitchell walked. Henry Godbout then hit a hard ground ball to second and Tolley took home. The play was at the plate and after a questionable call from the umpire, Tolley was ruled safe. The umpire claimed that Jensen did not tag Tolley, which seemed up for debate.
It was 2 more scoreless innings of baseball and then Kalamazoo added to their lead in the 6th. Rafter pitcher Malakai Vetock, had trouble finding the strike zone as he walked 3 straight batters. With 2 outs and a full count, the Growler catcher, Luke Mitchell, hit a line drive into left field to bring 2 runs to score. It was a 3-0 hole for the Rats and they were in trouble.
A quick response from the Rafters in the top of the 7th as they grabbed a run back. A standout of the day for the Rats was newly acquired Panama native, Orlando, Lorduy, he read the 1-0 pitch perfectly and smoked a ball to right field for a solo home run. He had a great game in his debut as he went 2-4 with a double as well. Unfortunately, Kalamazoo had a home run of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Virginia product, Henry Godbout, grabbed another RBI as he slammed a solo home run into left field to put the Growlers back up by 3. The Rats had no response after that.
A tough game on both sides of the ball for the Rafters as their bullpen threw 8 walks and 5 strikeouts. They had a tough time getting the bats going and there were a lot of fly outs. They fell to 27-21 overall and 7-6 in the second half. They have not beaten Kalamazoo this season, but they look to split the series tomorrow at Homer-Stryker field. First pitch is at 1:35.
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 Wisconsin Rapids Rafters on game day |
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