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Rafters bring in many hits but fall to the Mallards
Wisconsin Rapids, WI— The Rafters got an abundance of hits but were swept by the Mallards as they were outscored 9-3. They out hit Madison 16-10, but could not get runs home.
Madison started off hot in the top of the second inning as Isiah Jackson got on base from an error. The very next batter, Davis Hamilton, belted a ball into deep right center to send home Jackson from 1st. Cal Fisher was then due up and he hit a home run just like he did yesterday. This time it was a 2 run shot to left field and they were not done yet. Shortly after, Holcroft hit a line drive to left field to bring a runner home. The 3rd baseman, Keenan Taylor, followed it up with an RBI of his own to right field to send Holcroft. Madison took a huge lead early in this game as they went up 5-0.
Josh Howitt had a very uncharacteristic inning as he retired the first 5 batters to start the day, but he then let up an avalanche of runs from Madison. He allowed 4 hits with 5 runs and ended his day in the second as he reached the 35 pitch count limit. Malakai Vetock recorded 4 strikeouts and allowed 3 hits. The Bullpen for Wisconsin Rapids threw 4 pitchers with 10 strikeouts.
The Rats responded with runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Luke Hanson singled to left field. He proceeded to steal second on a passed ball. Ty Johnson belted a ball into left field after the outfielder was not able to track it down when then Hanson scored and the Rafters got on the board. Shortly after, Johnson stole 3rd and then Rivera saw a passed ball that rolled into the back track to send Johnson home. Wisconsin Rapids got 2 runs and cut it to a 3 run game.
Unfortunately, the shortstop, Cal Fisher, belted a solo home run into left field to add to the Mallards lead. Madison added a run in the 6th and also 2 more in the 7th to give them a commanding 9-2 lead. The bottom of the 8th came around and the Rats gained some momentum offensively with hits from Galason, Conniff, and Duffey. Then a big hit from Johnson into left field that dropped on the 3rd base line allowed Galason to score, but after that they could not get more runners across the plate. The Rafters came up empty many times with 13 runners left on base today and 7 runners in scoring position. They could not seem to get runners home and also committed 3 errors in the field.
The Rafters start the second half with an 0-2 record and drop their 3rd game overall. They will look to bounce back tomorrow in Mequon tomorrow as they take on the Lakeshore Chinooks from Kapco Park. First pitch is at 6:35
For rafters ticket offerings visit Raftersbaseball.com, call the Rafthouse at 715-424-5400, or come visit us over at historic Witter Field. The Box 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 proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 24 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 325 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 (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit 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.
