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Published On: July 7th, 2020

Rafters Walked-off in Wausau, Snap Six-Game Win Streak

Wisconsin Rapids Rafters lose for first time on Pablo Ruiz’s ninth inning RBI single.

Wisconsin Rapids, WI – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters were not the victors for the first time in 2020 on Tuesday, falling to the Wisconsin Woodchucks, 5-4. The Rafters (6-1) never trailed until the ninth, where the Woodchucks (1-5) came back to score two on base hits by Andy Frank and Pablo Ruiz. Ruiz’s one out single with the bases loaded scored Kyle Hess to win the game for the Woodchucks.

The Rafters started strong with the newest Rafter leading off the game. Pepperdine center fielder Billy Cook took Bobby Vath deep for a solo home run on the third pitch of the game. In the fifth, the Rafters power bats struck again, when Christian Sepulveda slapped a two-run homer down the left field line to make the score 3-1 Rafters.

The Woodchucks tied the game for the second time in the bottom of the fifth, but the Rafters were able to take back the lead with Billy Cook back at the plate. Cook singled to left to score Richie Schiekofer for a 4-3 lead.

Rafters pitching was strong once again on Tuesday until faltering in the ninth. Glenn Albanese pitched three innings, stranding four Woodchucks while striking out six batters. In total, Rafters pitching racked up 11 more strikeouts Tuesday, raising their season total to 85. Albanese’s 17 strikeouts are best in the Wisconsin-Illinois Pod.

Brent Teller, who allowed the walk-off hit, was dealt the loss, his first. Nate Madej pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his first win.

The Rafters return home on Wednesday, looking for revenge against the Woodchucks on 90s Nickelodeon Night. First pitch is at 6:35pm from Witter Field.

 

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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 Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 26th season, 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 230 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and MLB All-Star Jordan Zimmermann (DET). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. 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.