Wisconsin Rapids scores 11 runs on a night with postgame fireworks

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. – The fireworks started early in Wisconsin Rapids as the Rafters (23-25, 8-8) didn’t wait for the conclusion of the game to explode offensively. The Rafters had 15 hits on the night, including eight extra-base hits, en route to an 11-4 victory over the La Crosse Loggers (31-28, 12-8). The offense, while helpful, wasn’t necessary as Rafters starter Jack Riley (UConn) held the Loggers to just one hit and no runs over six innings, while striking out five. Riley picked up his fourth win of the season, while Billy Clemens (Gateway CC) took the loss for La Crosse.

Ryan Cleveland (Georgia Southern) and Jake Sandlin (Southern Miss) led the way at the dish, as Cleveland went 3-for-3 with four runs scored and an RBI. Sandlin went 3-for-5 with three doubles, two runs scored and three RBIs, giving him 16 doubles on the season, re-taking the Northwoods League-lead in two-baggers. Zack Domingues (Long Beach State) led the Rafters with four RBIs on the night.

The Rafters hung a four-spot on the Loggers in the bottom of the second inning. Bryce Jordan (LSU) picked up his first RBI of the summer on a bases-loaded single through the left side. Domingues then cleared the bases with a line drive to the wall in right center.

Wisconsin Rapids followed the second inning explosion with a run in each of the third, fourth and fifth innings to take a commanding 7-0 lead. Cleveland started a three-run seventh inning with a towering solo home run to right field, followed by a couple runs to take a 10-0 lead.

The Loggers got on the board with an unearned run in the eighth, then scored three more runs in the top of the ninth on four hits, but the rally wasn’t enough as the Rafters won comfortably by seven.

The Rafters have one final game before the Northwoods League All-Star break as they head to Copeland Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin to finish this current two-game set with the Loggers. Witter Field will then play host to the 2015 Marshfield Clinic Northwoods League All-Star festivities, including a Home Run Challenge and All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 21. Limited tickets are still available for the All-Star events, call 715-424-5400 or buy online at RaftersBaseball.com.

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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.