Wisconsin Rapids, WI – In a close battle, the Kalamazoo Growlers (12-9) took down the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (6-12), 9-7, in Monday’s series opener, snapping a four-game losing streak. The win for Kalamazoo also ends a three-game winning streak at Witter Field for the Rafters.

Through the first four innings, Kalamazoo quickly led 4-0. Second baseman Jack Reynolds drove in two runs with a groundout and a double in his first two at-bats. Growlers starter Jack Crittendon issued just two hits through the first four innings against the Rafters, striking out four.

The Rafters began to make some noise in the fifth, where they scored three runs after RBI singles from OF Jack Zeller, 3B Estaban Olazaba, and DH Jax LeGrand. Two of those runs came with two outs

In a 4-3 ballgame entering the seventh, the Growlers would add three more runs after drawing four consecutive walks. LF Josh Campbell capped off the frame with a sacrifice fly, his 11th RBI of the season. In the bottom of the seventh, the Rafters would get a run back when Estaban Olazaba collected his second RBI of the game with a single.

After Kalamazoo tagged two more, the Rafters trailed 9-4 entering the bottom of the ninth. Rafters catcher Connor Harvie cut into the deficit when he belted a three-run home run, his first of the season. Harvie’s home run came against Growlers closer Preston Cosby, who collected his first earned runs of the season, coming in his eight appearance. The Rafters would put the game-tying run to the plate with two-outs, but a groundout would end the late comeback attempt.

Kalamazoo drew 18 walks yesterday, the most a team has drawn in a single game this season. They entered yesterday’s contest leading the Northwoods League with 144 walks drawn.

Jack Crittendon (1-1) allowed three earned runs in five innings of action, striking out six. Colton LaFave (0-2) gave up three earned runs and struck out five in four innings pitched.

The season series finale is set for Tuesday, 1:05pm, at Historic Witter Field.