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Slug 14 Runs On 17 Hits
Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.-After the Lakeshore Chinooks had blasted their way to a two game sweep, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (20-37, 8-13) were hoping for a respite with the struggling Kalamazoo Growlers (23-35, 10-13) coming to town. However, Kalamazoo would not play along as they won 14-5 over the Rafters.
With Zach Jackson (Arkansas) on the mound, Wisconsin Rapids planned on order being restored to their pitching staff. Early on, Jackson obliged by retiring the first five batters he faced with three strikeouts mixed in. Back to back bloop singles followed by a walk allowed Alex Maloney (Ball State) to come through with a clutch two out base hit to give the Growlers a lead they would never relinquish.
The Growlers offense put together four 3 run innings throughout the game and did not score in three of the nine innings they batted in. Wisconsin Rapids had their chances to cut into the lead, but the Rafters ended up leaving ten runners on base.
Three Growlers hit home runs on the evening, including two in the top of the 9th. Keelin Rasch (Louisiana Monroe) contributed to the home run derby with a solo shot of his own in the bottom of the 6th. It was part of a two RBI night for Rasch who broke out of his mini post All-Star break slump.
Fourteen runs is a magical number in the season series between the two teams as Monday was the fifth time in seven matchups that one of the two clubs drove in fourteen. Kalamazoo and Wisconsin Rapids finish up their season series tomorrow night as it is Solarus Baseball Card giveaway night at historic Witter Field. First pitch is at 7:05 pm.
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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.
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