The fifth try was the charm for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (10-16). The Rafters grabbed their first franchise victory over the Waterloo Bucks (15-13) after a defense-heavy, 1-0 ballgame.

                The Bucks received little help from their anemic offense aside from LF Pat Stover. Stover (pictured) batted two-for-three on the night and accounted for all of the Bucks’ hits. DH Ryan Rieger, 3B Brandon Williams, and 1B Jake Astor all recorded two walks in the game, but the Bucks couldn’t manage to bring anybody home.

                Starting pitcher Billy Barrett (1-1) walked away with the loss for the Bucks. Barrett endured six innings on the mound, giving up only one run and four hits before he was replaced by reserve pitcher Paul Twining (1-0) in the seventh inning. Barrett also struck out six Rafters on the night, but it was no use without run support to back him up.  Rafters’ starting pitcher Matt Baudino (2-3) was awarded the win after keeping the Bucks scoreless in his six innings on the mound.

                To view the game’s box score, please visit http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=4552.

                With no rest for the weary, the Bucks immediately hit the road for Eau Claire, WI. The Bucks will begin a three-game series against the division-leading Eau Claire Express (17-10) tomorrow night at Carson Park. Game time is scheduled for 6:35 P.M., with Bucks’ ace Jared Wagoner (3-2) set to make the start at pitcher. With the Bucks only two and a half games back on the Express, a victory tomorrow night would be a tremendous way to make up some ground.