Wisconsin Rapids, WI— It was an ugly game for the Rafters as they lost to Kalamazoo once again to get swept in the series. They were outscored 7-3, but only out-hit 10-9.

Kalamazoo attacked early and they attacked fast as Gavin Lewis Jr and Henry Godbout each got a base hit to put two runners on. Springer walked which put Anthony Stephan up to bat. He roped a ball into left center field to bring in 2 runs to score. The Rafters found themselves in a quick 2-0 hole.

The Growlers had their biggest inning of the game in the top of the 3rd. Ybarra led off with a single to right field while Springer walked. Stephan drew another walk to put the bases loaded. This brought up Banks Tolley who laced a ball into deep left center field to bring 3 runners to score. It was a 3 run RBI triple for Tolley, but Kalamazoo kept on rolling. A groundout RBI from Winters as he grounded to 2nd to send in another run to score. Wisconsin Rapids was down 6-0 and were only headed to the top of the 4th.

Florida native, Calen Graham, was given the start at pitcher as he went 2.1 innings giving up 5 hits, 4 runs, and 4 strikeouts. Mikiah Negrete then took over in the 3rd inning and gave up 4 hits and 2 runs, but grabbed 3 strikeouts. 

The Rafters put together some offense in the top of the 5th as Jack Gurevtitch led off with a base hit into center field. Galason followed it up with a single of his own. A balk by the Growler pitcher, Mason Meeks led the Rafters with two runners in scoring position. Chris Conniff then hit a sac fly RBI to center field to bring Gurevitch home. 

There were two scoreless innings of baseball until the Growlers added on top of their big lead in the 8th inning. Banks Tolley stepped up once again as he hit a solo home run into left field to conclude a 4 RBI day. The Rafters made things interesting in the 9th inning as the Rats were walked 3 straight times. Conniff popped out and Duffey walked, which sent Broussard home. Ty Johnson then smashed a ball into left field that almost got back for a grand slam. Unfortunately, he flew out, but Gurevitch scored for the second time in the game. Duffey got out running to second on a ground ball and that ended the game.

The Rafters had a decent amount of hits this game, but getting runners home was clearly the big issue. They left many players on base and never got big hits when needed. They faced an early deficit which made it hard to play catch up throughout the game. The Rafters dropped their 3rd game in the past 4 and go to 7-7 in the second half. The Rats have a much deserved off day tomorrow and will be back at it on Tuesday for a series with the Mallards. The first game is at Witter Field at 6:05.