The Rafters came alive in the second half of this game

Wisconsin Rapids, WI— It was a come from behind win for the Rafters and they got back in the column for the 3rd straight game. They took down the Dock Spiders 5-3 and were out hit 10-9, but got big hits when called upon.

The Dock Spiders grabbed an early lead in the top of the 1st. With back to back outs right away. Travis Strickler then grabbed a base hit followed by back to back walks to put the bases loaded. The next batter, Drew Barragan, sent a base hit into left field to bring home Strickler and the Rafters were playing catch up.

The Rats could not get the bats flowing as Fond Du Lac went 9 up and 9 down through the first 3 innings. There were 3 more scoreless innings of baseball as the Rafters went deeper in their bullpen today. Johnny Anservitz was given the start on the mound and he went 2 innings, allowed 3 hits, a run, but had a strikeout. Virginia native, Jack Bachmore, went 3 innings and recorded 3 strikeouts. 

Fond Du Lac doubled their lead in the top of the 6th as both West and Knoll walked. Shortly after, Jack Gorman lined a ball into left field and Graiden West came charging home from 2nd. The Dock Spiders went in front 2-0 and the Rafters had to start generating some offense. 

Take it to the bottom half of the inning and the Rafters started to swing the bat a lot better. The catcher out of LaGrange College, David Smigelski, singled a ground ball into left field. Jorge De Goti had another solid outing as he laced a hit into right field to put the runners at the corners. Brendan Bobo was due and he had a solo home run yesterday and could he go back to back? The 2-2 fastball came in from Guzman and he smoked this shot into deep right field to give him a 3 run homer and his 10th of the season. It’s the 2nd straight season for Bobo where he’s gotten at least 10 home runs. Wisconsin Rapids jumped in front and never looked back.

The top of the 7th came in and Wisconsin Rapids had another scoring inning. Galason was hit by a pitch and that brought up Chris Connif who had a base hit past the shortstop in left field. Another returning rafter, Aiden Brewer, perfectly executed a bunt to where the Dock Spider pitcher had trouble fielding it. With the bases loaded, Smigelski was hit by a pitch which then Galason walked home. Future Baylor outfielder, Ty Johnson, hit a sac fly to send in Conniff. 

The Dock Spiders did not go away so easily. The Rafters closer, Julian Tristan, stepped on the mound and he had his work cut out for him. Strickler walked and Paul Smith singled into right. Kelsen Johnson brought in an RBI single into left field to bring in a scoring Strickler for his second run of the day. There were 2 runners on with no outs and the tying run at first. Tristan stayed composed and worked his pitches with a strong command. He struck out 3 of the next 4 batters and lifted the Rafters to victory. 

The Rafters improved to 10-10 in the second half and 30-25 overall. They have turned it around and have put together a win streak before the all star break. We wish Brendan Bobo, Ty Johnson, Calen Graham, Julian Tristan, and Jacob Rosenkranz best of luck at the All Star festivities. The Rats will be back in action on Thursday at Wausau. They take on the Woodchucks from Athletic 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’ 30^th 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