Wisconsin Rapids travels back to Kenosha for game two

After an off day for the Major League Dreams Showcase event, the first-place Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (20-11) look to close in on a playoff spot and split the series with the Kenosha Kingfish (17-15) Wednesday.

In game one on Monday, the Rafters built an early lead, but could not maintain it as they fell 6-5. Jake Dunham had two RBIs and Matt Osterberg struck out five batters as the Rafters’ starter.

Wisconsin Rapids currently has a 2.5-game lead over the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders in the Great Lakes West Division and has a magic number of three to clinch a playoff spot and home-field advantage.

Gareth Stroh is projected to start for Wisconsin Rapids. The junior lefty has an impressive 7-1 record with a 1.40 ERA and 51 strikeouts. Caleb Larson gets the nod for Kenosha, holding a 4.09 ERA and a 3-4 record this summer.

Rafters players impressed in Tuesday’s Dreams Showcase in Madison. Wisconsin Rapids hitters went 5-for-10 and were led by Davion Downey’s two-run home run. The three Rafters pitchers gave up a combined four hits and struck out four batters.

When the team returns to Historic Witter Field Thursday, they will face the Madison Mallards with special entertainment by the ZOOperstars! presented by Aspirus Riverview Hospital and Clinics.

As the Rafters gear up for a late-season run, you can experience the postseason action firsthand. For more information on playoff ticket offerings visit Raftersbaseball.com, call the Rafthouse at 715-424-5400, or visit historic Witter Field. The Rafters ticket office is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday at Witter Field, 521 Lincoln Street in Wisconsin Rapids.

###

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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, over 200 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (TOR).  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 or on Google Play and set the Rafters as your favorite team.