Kawlewski To Make Second Start Of Season

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. – With the season drawing to a close the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (13-21, 25-44) will try and build on their two game winning streak as they take on the Lakeshore Chinooks (25-9, 49-19) tonight at Witter Field. The Rafters won handily last night over these Chinooks by a score of 6-1, thanks in part to a great pitching performance by Jake Cage (Azuza Pacific). This win snapped the Chinooks three game winning streak and extended the Rafters’ winning streak to two games.

On the mound for the Rafters tonight will be Derek Kawlewski (2-0, Rhode Island) who will be making his second straight start. Kawlewski has some impressive numbers this season as he has an ERA of 1.76 in 15.1 innings of work and has only given up 10 hits. In his last and only start Kawlewski picked up the win as he went seven innings giving up one unearned run on five hits and four walks while striking out three against the Eau Claire Express.

The Rafters offense got to the Chinooks pitching staff last night as the Rafters scored six runs on 10 hits, including a big night from newcomer Luke Yapp (Madison College). Yapp was playing in his first ever Rafters game as he went one for two and drew two walks while also scoring a run during the contest. Nick Unes (UW-Milwaukee) kept swinging a hot bat as well, as he picked up his fourth straight multi hit game and extended his hitting streak to seven games overall.

The gates open to Witter Field tonight at 6:05pm as first pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm. Tonight is also a very special night as it is Schierl Tire & Service Night which is to benefit the Wisconsin Rapids Boys and Girls Club. Also since it is Friday night that means you can get the Stevens Point Brewery Working Man Special Package. With this package you get two 16oz cans of Point Special, two hot dogs, and one ticket all just for $11.

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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.