Battle Jacks Defeat Rafters 4-1 Behind Strong Pitching

BATTLE CREEK — The Battle Creek Battle Jacks rode a strong pitching performance to a 4-1 victory over the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters on Thursday night at MCCU Field.

The Battle Jacks got off to a fast start on Thursday, scoring two runs in the opening inning, highlighted by an AJ Lucas sacrifice fly.

The Rapids Rafters cut the lead in half in the fifth inning as Zachary Gingrich crossed the plate, but the two-run lead was restored in the bottom half of the inning off Brady LaViolette’s sacrifice fly.

Pitching was a major strength for the Battle Jacks, led by Keagen Kohlhoff, who tossed 4.2 innings while allowing just one hit and striking out five on 87 pitches.

The Battle Jacks extended the lead in the seventh, scoring off a wild pitch.

Jacob Janisko took over in the ninth inning and shut the door, recording the final outs to secure the Battle Jacks’ 4-1 victory.

The Battle Jacks return to action on Friday night when they host the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters in the second game of the two-game series at MCCU Field.

About the Battle Jacks & the Northwoods League

The Battle Creek Battle Jacks are a proud member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its 33rd season, the 26-team Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history, drawing significantly more fans in a more friendly ballpark experience than any league of its kind.

A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 410 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson; three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR); two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford; World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL); 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (BAL); and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (NYM).