Arkansas Sophomore Pitcher Zach Jackson Makes First Start As A Rafter

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. – After a much needed offensive outburst, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (3-13) must turn around quickly and prepare for their next opponent, the Madison Mallards (10-5). The Rafters snapped their losing streak yesterday with an explosive 14-4 victory over the Kalamazoo Growlers. The Rafters will have to be on their toes against Madison however as the Mallards will be well rested, due to the fact that their game yesterday against the Lakeshore Chinooks was rescheduled because of inclement weather.

Tonight’s starter against the Mallards will be right handed pitcher Zach Jackson, who is making his Rafter’s team debut. Jackson just finished his sophomore season at the University of Arkansas and is coming off of a very strong season. In 24 appearances Jackson worked 42.2 innings and compiled an ERA of 2.53 with a record of 2-3. In those 42.2 innings Jackson also struck out 42 batters while only walking 21.

The Mallards will be sending out left handed pitcher Tom Constand out of Western Illinois to face the Rafters lineup tonight. Constand has been impressive in his two starts this season, as he is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.74. Constand has not been lacking in run support as the Mallards offense has scored 28 runs in his two starts this season, a trend Zach Jackson looks to change.

Constand will have to deal with red hot Rafters bats that in the last two games have combined for 16 runs on 28 hits. The arrival of Arkansas freshman Clark Eagan may have something to do with the recent hit outbreak. In his first two games as a Rafter, Eagan is 6-8 with two doubles and three RBI’s. Another man who has been hot as of late has been Keelin Rasch, who in the last two days has raised his batting average by an incredible .225 points. Also looking to stay on a roll is center fielder Kirby McGuire who has reached base safely in seven of his first eight games with the Rafters.

It is a 7:05pm start tonight here at Witter Field and the gates will be opening at 6:05pm. The entertainment for the night is the high-flying acrobatics of the world famous Russian Bar Trio, presented by Element Mobile. They have performed on Oprah, Ellen, and America’s Got Talent as well as countless other sporting events. They are sure to put on a memorable performance for fans of all ages.

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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.