By Lance Roth

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. — The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (6-10) used a four-run eighth inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from LeGrand, to rally past the La Crosse Loggers (6-6) for a 9-7 victory Saturday night at Historic Witter Field.

The Rafters offense totaled 13 hits on the night, with LeGrand delivering the biggest swing of the game. After Wisconsin Rapids fell behind 7-5 in the eighth inning, LeGrand launched a three-run blast deep to center field to give the Rafters their first lead of the night.

LeGrand finished the game with two hits and three RBIs, while Dylan Frank added two hits and two RBIs. Zachary Gingrich led the Rafters with three hits, including two doubles, and Esteban Olazaba recorded a double, single, walk and an RBI.

While the offense provided the late comeback, the Rafters bullpen kept the game within reach. Spencer Webb, David Ladjevic and Blaine Davis combined to hold La Crosse to two runs over the final five innings. Davis earned the win after pitching the eighth and ninth innings, striking out three batters.

La Crosse jumped ahead early after scoring three runs in the third inning. Following a Rafters error, Stephen Chucka hit a two-run home run to give the Loggers a 3-0 lead. La Crosse added two more runs in the fourth inning after back-to-back singles and a hit by pitch extended the inning.

Wisconsin Rapids answered in the bottom of the fifth inning after Olazaba, Gingrich and Frank recorded three consecutive doubles, bringing three runs across and cutting the deficit to 5-4.

The Loggers added two more runs, both unearned, with one coming in the sixth inning and another in the eighth. The Rafters responded immediately, scoring four runs in the bottom of the eighth to take the lead for good.

Wisconsin Rapids held La Crosse scoreless in the ninth inning, with Davis recording two strikeouts. A triple from Kelsen Johnson put the tying run on base, but Davis closed out the victory.

With the win, the Rafters earned their third straight victory and continued their strong stretch at Historic Witter Field. Wisconsin Rapids will look to keep the momentum going as they continue their homestand.