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Published On: August 8th, 2014

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Righty Goes Eight Strong Innings

Box Score

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.-Big offense was the name of the game on Wednesday but it was great starting pitching that carried the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (25-45, 13-21) on Thursday to a 6-1 victory over the Lakeshore Chinooks (49-19, 25-9). Jake Cage (Azusa Pacific) was masterful in his eight innings of work as he picked up fourth win of the season to tie for the Rafters’ team lead.

To back up Cage, the Rafters would need to get the bats going against the top pitching staff in the Northwoods League. After a quiet first two innings, Wisconsin Rapids put together a rally that cumulated in a Kirby McGuire (New Mexico) two RBI double. It would be part of a three run 3rd that would end up being enough for the Rafters.

The Rafters have now won two games against the Lakeshore Chinooks and Jake Cage has been the man on the mound for each victory. Cage went eight innings while allowing nine hits and one earned run. Cage only struck out three but did not walk a single batter. That makes it two consecutive eight inning outings where the righty did not walk a batter and Cage finishes his season having thrown 34.2 innings and walking just four opponents. Cage has now allowed two earned runs or less in five of the six games he has thrown in.

After Lakeshore cobbled together a run in the top of the 8th, Wisconsin Rapids responded with two insurance runs off the bat of their All- Star shortstop. Zack Domingues (Long Beach State) roped a two out, two RBI double to left to make the score 6-1. That would be all the cushioning the Rafters would need as Nolan Blackwood (Memphis) slammed the door shut on the game in the top of the 9th.

The two teams will finish up the two game and season series tomorrow night with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm. It is Schierl Tire and Service Night to benefit the Boys and Girls Club at historic Witter Field. Fans can also take advantage of a great deal at the ballpark as they can get a ticket, mock jersey, hot dog and soda for just $20.

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The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League YouTube channel.  For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.

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