Rafters host Mallards in afternoon showdown

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. – The Rafters dropped a close one last night, falling 3-2 in the first game of their series with the Madison Mallards. Pitching was the story for both teams as Derek Kawlewski (Rhode Island) threw a gem for the Rafters, going seven strong innings and striking out seven Mallards. Madison got a great collective effort on the mound as four different pitchers were able to hold the Rafters to only two runs. Offensively, the Rafters were able to get production from Demetrius Sims (Bethune-Cookman), who had two RBI’s on the evening, and Jake Sandlin (Georgia College) stayed hot at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double.

Sunday’s meeting with the Mallards marks the second game of the season series with the Rafters rivals from Madison. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m.

Taking the ball for the Rafters tonight will be John Jaeger, who will be making his second start of the year. The Tracy, Calif. native made his first start this season in game two of the May 27 doubleheader against the Wisconsin Woodchucks, which was suspended after four innings because of rain. Jaeger pitched two innings in the game, allowing four runs and striking out three.

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, 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 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website. For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.