Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. – It’s opening week in the Northwoods League, presented by Edvest. The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (2-1) traveled to Wausau last night to take on the Woodchucks in what was scheduled to be the second game of a two-game series. Unfortunately, inclement weather never even allowed one pitch to be thrown. That game has now been rescheduled as part of a double-header for June 27 at Athletic Park in Wausau.

Tonight’s game will feature the Rafters playing host to the undefeated Madison Mallards (4-0). Special guest Shane Obedzinski who played Tommy “Repeat” Timmons in the movie ‘The Sandlot’ will also be in attendance as Witter Field will be host to a Sandlot themed night.

Obedzinski will throw out a first pitch and sign autographs throughout the game. After the game, the movie ‘The Sandlot’ will be shown on a jumbo screen on the field.

As for the game itself, so and so will take the mound for the Rats as they look to give Madison their first loss of the season. The 6-foot 8-inch-tall Vinny Santarsiero will make his first start of the 2016 season and his first Northwoods league start in hopes of extending the Rafters current two-game win streak as well. Santarsiero was slated to pitch last night, but his start was pushed back to today due to last night’s rainout.

Taking the hill for the Mallards is Heath Renz, the right-hander from Jefferson, WI. The sophomore from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will be making his first start of this year’s campaign.

First pitch for tonight’s game is set for 6:05 PM with the gates opening at 5:05 PM. The post-game movie will be aired approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game.

Edvest is Wisconsin’s 529 College Savings Plan designed to help families save for higher education expenses. It takes just $25 to start an Edvest college savings plan, and account owners can choose from more than 22 investment portfolios while enjoying one of the lowest cost 529 plans in the U.S. along with in-state tax advantages for Wisconsin residents. SavingforCollege.com recently ranked Edvest as one of the Top 15 in 529 Performance, the ninth Lowest Cost 529 plans, as well as awarded the program a 5-Cap Rating, which indicates that a 529 plan offers outstanding flexibility, attractive investments and additional economic benefits. Find out more at www.edvest.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 23rd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2016, 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, 150 former 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 (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com. For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.