Rafters Complete Michigan Road Trip on Monday

Wisconsin Rapids takes on Kalamazoo for final time in Michigan this year

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. –  Monday marks the final game of a four-game road trip in Michigan for Wisconsin Rapids (22-4) with the series finale against Kalamazoo (7-19) from Homer Stryker Field.

The series began on Sunday afternoon with the Rafters jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead after the first two innings. All three runs scored on errors by the Growlers defense. Kalamazoo finished with four errors in the game.

In the top of the fifth, Scott Kapers delivered his third home-run of the year to give the Rafters a 5-0 lead. Kalamazoo scored three runs in the bottom half of the inning to pull the game within two at 5-3.

Kapers led the way offensively with two extra base-hits, along with Dustin Woodcock (three hits) and Bryson Stott (reached base four times, scored three runs) to pace the Rafters offense. Wisconsin Rapids tagged on another run in the sixth, and one in the eighth.

Kalamazoo grabbed a run in the bottom of the ninth, but Layne Henderson worked the final two batters to earn his fifth save of the year in five tries to seal the 7-4 win for the Rafters. Henderson left two men on with the tying run at the plate before he retired Jeff Riedel.

To finish the series, the Rafters send Sam Carver (1-1) to start against the Growlers. In three starts this year, the lefty has pitched in 21 innings, striking out ten batters. Carver has also pitched out of the bullpen once this year. In his last start, the Coffeyville Community College product tossed a season-high six innings against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. Carver has started once against the Growlers, pitching five and two-thirds and earning his first win of the season.

First pitch from Kalamazoo is slated for 6:05 pm CT on Monday. Coverage of the game can be found on WFHR 1320 AM or WFHR.com, the Rafters Radio Network. Pregame coverage begins at 5:50 pm CT.  

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The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The 23-year-old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 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 170 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including two-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champion Ben Zobrist (CHC) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM) and Lucas Duda (NYM).  All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit http://northwoodsleague.com/wisconsin-rapids-rafters/ or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Rafters as your favorite team.