Wausau, WIS – The Wisconsin Woodchucks fell to the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 8-4, as the Rafters used two key home runs to power past the Woodchucks.

The Rafters (2-2) struck first in the top half of the third inning as Rafters’ leadoff batter Michael Hurwitz came into score from second base on a throwing by Woodchucks’ catcher Jack Klages, who was trying to throw out Erik Payne at first base.

The Rafters were held hitless until the top of the fourth inning, as their second hit of the game was a loud one when Kyle McHugh hit a towering three-run homerun that gave the Rafters a 4-0 lead.

The Rafters struck again with a home run in the top of the fifth inning, this time a two-run shot by Sloane Dieter.

The Woodchucks (0-4) didn’t cross home plate until the bottom of the fifth inning when Curtis Bussard came into score on a fielder’s choice hit by Troy Traxler.

The Rafters tacked on two more runs in the top half of the eighth inning as Erik Payne hit a two-run double down the right field line that gave them a 8-1 lead.

The Woodchucks tried to rally as they scored three runs in the last two innings to cut the lead to 8-4 but the Rafters shut the door in the ninth inning, as that was the closest that the Woodchucks got.

The Woodchucks will be at home tomorrow night as the Madison Mallards come to Athletic Park to begin a two-game series. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm. Gates to the Pepsi Fan Zone open at 5:35 pm with gates to Athletic Park opening at 6:05 pm.

The Wisconsin Woodchucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwood’s League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwood’s 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 Northwood’s 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 Northwood’s League YouTube channel.  For more information, visit woodchucks.com.