By Lance Roth
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. — A strong offensive start from the Green Bay Rockers and a pair of home runs helped them claim an 11-7 victory over the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters on Saturday night at Witter Field.
The loss dropped the Rafters (6-19) as Wisconsin Rapids battled back from an early deficit but could not overcome Green Bay’s 12-hit attack. The Rockers (13-8) scored in each of the first three innings and used a late push to secure the win.
The matchup also marked the first home game at Witter Field for Rafters manager Grant Stevens since winning at Omaha, while recent Oklahoma additions Gunnar Dillard and Uriah Walters made their first home appearances with Wisconsin Rapids. Both players made an impact in their first debuts, recording RBI singles in the Rafters’ comeback effort.
The Rafters offense finished with seven hits on the night, with Carter Bennett providing one of the biggest sparks for the home crowd. Bennett recorded two doubles and drove in two runs, while Zachary Gingrich added two hits, including a double, and two RBIs. Dillard, Walters, and Mikey Boyd each contributed RBIs in the Rafters’ offensive effort.
Green Bay jumped ahead early, scoring three runs in the first inning before adding two more in the second and two in the third. Payton Fort delivered the biggest blow for the Rockers, finishing the night with three hits, two home runs, and four RBIs. Max Humphrey and Coleman Lewis also provided key production, helping Green Bay build an early advantage.
Wisconsin Rapids answered in the fourth inning, putting together its biggest offensive inning of the night. After falling behind 7-0, the Rafters scored four runs behind timely production from Bennett, Gingrich, Walters, and Boyd to cut into the deficit.
The Rafters continued to battle in the sixth and seventh innings. Bennett delivered another RBI with one of his doubles, while Gingrich added another run-scoring hit to bring Wisconsin Rapids within striking distance at 8-7.
Green Bay responded late, adding three insurance runs in the eighth inning to create separation and hold off the Rafters’ comeback attempt.
Both starting pitchers worked through difficult outings. Green Bay starter JT Guerrero III earned the win after allowing seven runs over 6.1 innings while striking out four. Wisconsin Rapids starter Tristin Crusenberry took the loss after allowing seven runs on 10 hits over five innings with three strikeouts.
The Rafters bullpen kept Wisconsin Rapids within reach, with Garrett McGuigan striking out four over two innings while allowing four runs. Erick Soto and Josiah Palomino combined for the final two innings of relief.
The Rafters will look to bounce back as they continue their homestand with a four-game series against the Wausau Woodchucks. The series opens on Sunday, June 28, with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. CT inside Historic Witter Field.