Mitch McGeein plays the hero with a go-ahead home run in the fifth, then the walk-off single in the 13th
Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters won in walk-off fashion on Wednesday night as Mitch McGeein (Eastern Michigan) singled to left, scoring Zack Domingues (Long Beach State) to win the game in the bottom of the 13th. It was a big night for the Rafter’s designated hitter McGeein, who hit what appeared to be the game-winning three-run home run in the fifth inning. The Chinooks, however, tried to spoil the big night for McGeein when they rallied for a run in the seventh and two more in the ninth to tie the game and force extras. But the Calgary, Alberta native, couldn’t be stopped, coming in clutch for the Rafters in extras.
Luke Sommerfeld (St. Louis) picked up the win for the Rafters, throwing a scoreless 13th inning. Joe Stoll took the loss for the Chinooks. Wisconsin Rapids got a solid pitching performance from starter Brian Russell (College of Staten Island) as he went six innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out three and walking three. But it was Nick Nelsen who came through for the Rafters in crunch time, pitching three scoreless innings in extras after surrendering the hit that tied the game for the Chinooks.
McGeein and Domingues led the way for Wisconsin Rapids with three hits apiece, while Blake Molitor (Illinois State) and Sam Tolleson (Central Florida) each chipped in a pair of hits. McGeein’s home run was his first as a Rafter and was only second home run of the year for Wisconsin Rapids.
The Rafters wrap up their three-game homestand and two-game series with the Chinooks tomorrow evening. Tomorrow is also Frozen Night at Witter Field, presented by Paul Gross Jewelers. All princesses will receive a tiara and there will be an appearance by Princess Elsa and Princess Anna from the movie Frozen. Everyone dressed up will receive a coupon for a free “Frozen” themed ice cream sundae. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. and gates open at 5:35 p.m.
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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 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.
