By Lance Roth

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. — An 18-hit offensive performance and a strong pitching effort helped the Madison Mallards claim a 20-1 victory over the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters on Thursday night at Witter Field.

The loss dropped the Rafters (6-21) as Madison (20-10) controlled the game throughout, using a six-run third inning and late offensive surge to pull away in the matchup.

The Rafters offense finished with four hits on the night, with Wisconsin Rapids finally breaking through in the ninth inning for its only run. Esteban Olazaba scored the lone run for the Rafters, while Connor Harvie delivered the team’s only RBI. 

Jack Zeller and Harrison Engskov also contributed hits as Wisconsin Rapids struggled to find consistent offense against the Mallards pitching staff.

Madison broke the game open in the third inning, turning early opportunities into a six-run frame. After putting runners on base, the Mallards capitalized with timely hits throughout the lineup. 

Jonah Weathers delivered the biggest blow of the inning with a three-run home run, while John Hadley VI and Aaron Holland added run-scoring hits to extend the lead.

The Mallards continued their offensive attack throughout the night, collecting 18 total hits and scoring in six different innings. Weathers led the way with four hits, six RBIs, and a home run. Hadley added multiple hits, five RBIs, and a homer, while Holland finished with three RBIs and two home runs.

Madison added separation in the fifth inning with three more runs before putting the game out of reach late. The Mallards scored seven runs in the eighth inning and added three more in the ninth to complete the offensive outburst.

Both starting pitchers worked through different challenges. Madison starter Trey Lawrence earned the win after allowing just two hits across five scoreless innings, striking out five while keeping the Rafters lineup off balance.

Wisconsin Rapids starter Sam Neal took the loss after working three innings. Neal allowed seven runs on six hits with two strikeouts. The Rafters bullpen battled through the rest of the game, with Garrett McGuigan, Hezekiah Scott, and Blaine Davis combining for six innings of relief.

The Rafters will look to bounce back on the road as they take on the Green Bay Rockers in a doubleheader. Both games are scheduled for June 26, with the first pitch of game one set for 4:05 p.m. CT.