Thursday’s rainout will be played as a doubleheader Friday.
Wis. Rapids – After Thursday’s game was postponed due to rain, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (7-7) will host the Battle Creek Bombers (7-8) in a doubleheader at Witter Field. Game one will begin at 5:05 p.m., with game two set to follow 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one. Both games will be seven innings. Gates open at 4:05 p.m.
Jon Malmin, who is entering his second season with the Rafters, will make his 2015 debut on the mound tonight. The Texas lefty went 1-1 with a 2.01 ERA over eight games in 2014. This spring with the Longhorns, Malmin made 18 appearances in relief with a 3.79 ERA and earned a pair of saves, holding opponents to a .230 batting average.
As a reminder, all fans with a ticket for Friday’s regularly scheduled game (June 12th) will allow you to occupy your seat for both games of the doubleheader. All fans with tickets for the June 11th game will be able to exchange their unused tickets for any remaining game during the 2015 regular season, based on availability.
The Rafters will don Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa themed jerseys for game one, which will be auctioned off during game one and through the 5th inning of game two, to allow all fans an opportunity to participate. Proceeds from the jersey auction will benefit the Witter Field history mural that was added to the back of the Witter Field grandstand this past spring.
Pro Wrestling Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, who rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to game two of the doubleheader. Hacksaw will also sign autographs beginning at 6:00 p.m. The first fans through the gates will receive a complimentary 8×10 photo of Duggan and the Rafters will have two-by-fours available for purchase for autographs as well. Fans are permitted to bring their own memorabilia, however there will be a limit of one autographed item per person. Hacksaw’s appearance is sponsored by WAOW TV-9.
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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.
