Wisconsin Rapids hits a pair of home runs, but falls to Lakeshore 5-2

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin – The Rafters fell 5-2 to the Lakeshore Chinooks on Thursday night at Witter Field. Wisconsin Rapids scored all of their runs via the home run but it wasn’t enough to overcome the early lead that the Chinooks built. Jon Malmin (Texas) took the loss for the Rafters, Jake Tuttle (UW-Milwaukee) picked up the win and Joe Stoll (Ohio State) notched his third save of the year for Lakeshore.

The Chinooks did the majority of their damage early, scoring three runs in the first on a home run by outfielder Jack Benninghoff (Arkansas). Bryce Jordan (LSU) responded for the Rafters with his second home run of the season, a solo shot, in the bottom of the first. Jordan has been the hottest hitter for Wisconsin Rapids lately, hitting .361 over his last 10 games, including two home runs and five RBI.

After Lakeshore added a run in the top of the second to make it 4-1, but again the Rafters replied with the long ball. Wisconsin Rapids shortstop Scotty Wright (North Florida) hit his first home run of the season over the wall in left, bringing the Rafters within two at 4-2. Lakeshore added what would be the final run of the game in the top of the fourth with a sacrifice fly to take a 5-2lead.

Both bullpens kept their opponents at bay, holding the game scoreless for the final five innings. Joey Graziano (St. Johns), Justin Kelly (UC Santa Barbara) and James Davitt (Bryant) combined to allow one hit over five innings, striking out seven.

The Rafters will host the Chinooks once again on Friday night, with the game starting at 7:05 p.m. It will be Schierl Tire & Service Night at Witter Field, benefitting the Boys & Girls Club. Fans will be entertained by a special performance by Rally throughout the game and the Klement’s Racing Sausages will be on hand. As it is on every Friday, tomorrow night will be a Point Special Working Man’s Friday. The Working Man Ticket Package is $11 and includes two 16oz cans of Point Special, two hot dogs and a bleacher ticket to the game. Gates open at 6:05 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.