(Pictured: Zach Jackson)

Rafters Look To End Four Game Skid

By: Joe Quade, Public Relations Intern

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. –Coming off of a tough series, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (8-13, 20-36) get right back after it as they take on the Kalamazoo Growlers (9-13, 22-35) tonight at Witter Field. The Rafters are coming off of a 12-1 defeat at the hands of the Lakeshore Chinooks and will be looking to end their four game losing streak. Kalamazoo finds themselves trying to start a winning streak as last night they defeated the Kenosha Kingfish 5-1.

Trying to get the Rafters back on track tonight will be starting pitcher Zach Jackson (2-1, Arkansas). Jackson is coming off a very strong performance against the Wisconsin Woodchucks his last time out as he struck out 10 batters in six innings and only allowed two runs in the no decision. Jackson has seen his ERA dwindle and his strikeouts rise as the season has gone on, as he now has an ERA of 3.33 and has an amazing 46 strikeouts in 29.2 innings of work.

 The cranberry crazies should be ready for an offensive explosion tonight as the Growlers rank 16th in team ERA with a 5.21 ERA. To go along with that number the Kalamazoo pitching staff has also walked and hit the most batters in the Northwoods League.

As has been the case since he arrived this season, Zack Domingues (Long Beach State) will key the Rafters offensive attack, working to get on base however he can. Domingues’ .480 on base percentage is good for fourth in the Northwoods League. Ricky Ramirez (UIC) will look to build on last night’s game as he recorded his first extra-base hit for the Rafters on a ringing RBI double. Ramirez has only played in three games so far for the Rafters, but his play has shown he will be a valuable asset for the Rafters down the stretch.

It is a 7:05pm start time tonight at Witter Field, meaning the gates will be opening at 6:05pm. Tonight is also a very special night as it is Social Media Monday at the park which will feature great giveaways for fan interaction. Also since it is Monday, there is Blaser’s and Rubi Reds Baseball Bingo tonight at the park as well.

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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.