By Lance Roth

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. — A strong pitching performance from the Wausau Woodchucks and early offensive production helped them claim an 8-0 victory over the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters on Sunday afternoon at Historic Witter Field.

The loss dropped the Rafters (9-24) as Wisconsin Rapids struggled to generate offense against Wausau pitching, collecting just two hits in the shutout. The Woodchucks (21-8) scored in each of the first three innings before using a four-run fifth inning to create separation.

The Rafters offense finished with two hits on the afternoon, with Esteban Olazaba and Erick Soto providing the lone bright spots. Olazaba recorded a single, while Soto added a hit as Wisconsin Rapids was held scoreless throughout the game.

Wausau jumped ahead in the first inning after Kyler Northrop reached base and later came around to score, giving the Woodchucks an early 1-0 lead. 

The Woodchucks added to the advantage in the second inning, using a pair of hits and taking advantage of scoring opportunities to put together a three-run frame. Gatlin Pitts helped spark the inning with a triple, while Jake Berkland delivered a two-run double to extend the lead to 4-0.

The Woodchucks continued to apply pressure in the third inning, adding another run after putting a runner in scoring position and bringing him home with a sacrifice fly. The added run gave Wausau a 5-0 advantage heading into the middle innings.

Wausau broke the game open in the fifth inning with four more runs. The Woodchucks used multiple hits and productive at-bats to bring runners across, with Berkland finishing the day with a double and two RBIs. Pitts contributed two hits, including a triple, while Northrop led the way offensively with three hits and an RBI.

Wisconsin Rapids was unable to mount a comeback as Wausau starter Tyson Potts kept the Rafters off balance throughout the afternoon. Potts earned his second win of the season, with both victories coming against Wisconsin Rapids, after throwing 7.2 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out eight.

Logan Waldschmidt finished the game with 1.1 scoreless innings of relief to close out the shutout.

Wisconsin Rapids starter Gage Honeyager took the loss after working four innings. Honeyager allowed eight runs, seven earned, on seven hits with five walks and three strikeouts. The Rafters bullpen settled the game down after that, with Blaine Davis throwing four scoreless innings while allowing three hits, and Nico Defazio adding a scoreless ninth inning.

The Rafters will look to bounce back in the second game of their four-game series against the Wausau Woodchucks on Monday, June 29. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT inside Historic Witter Field.