Ligda and Kasowski meet for second time in the last week

Mequon, Wis. – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (39-21, 15-9) return to the field at Kapco Park on Wednesday night seeking a split with the Lakeshore Chinooks (28-33, 13-12). In the wake of their second shutout loss in three games, the Rafters hope to receive more support from their lineup, as right-hander Eric Ligda (Millersville) tries to stop the Chinooks’ five-game winning streak.

Ligda, a native of West Grove, Pennsylvania, is in line to start for the sixth time this season. Entering play, Ligda boasts an ERA of 1.77 in 40 2/3 innings of work, having struck out 39 batters compared to just 10 walks. Despite his statistical success, Ligda has gone just 1-3 as a starter, including losses in three consecutive decisions, a streak dating to June 27. In his most recent outing, Ligda submitted is best performance of the season in 1-0 victory over the Lakeshore Chinooks last week at Witter Field. The right-hander matched his season-high with seven strikeouts and pitched seven scoreless innings, while scattering just three hits and a walk in the no-decision. Following Ligda’s exit, the Rafters plated the game’s only run on a bases-loaded wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth frame.

For the second time in as many starts, Ligda will be matched by Northwoods League strikeout leader Marshall Kasowski, who enters with a 3-1 record and a 1.40 ERA. After striking out 12 Rafters in his last outing, Kasowski now owns 81 punch outs in the summer campaign, far and away the most in the league. A product of Conroe, Texas, Kasowski has reached double-digit strikeouts on four separate occasions this season and is currently in the midst of a 26 1/3 inning scoreless streak, dating to June 30. In his last four starts, Kasowski has struck out 41 batters compared to just six walks, spanning 23 scoreless innings of work. In his outing against the Rafters last week, Kasowski turned in seven shutout frames, while scattering just three hits and striking out 12 batters without a walk in the process of earning Northwoods League Pitcher of the Night.

First pitch at Kapco Park is scheduled for 6:35 PM with coverage commencing on WFHR 1320 AM 15 minutes prior at 6:20 PM.

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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, 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 150 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 portal. For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store and set the Rafters as your favorite team.