By Lance Roth

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. — A six-run second inning and a late insurance push helped the Madison Mallards claim a 9-5 victory over the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters on Monday night at Witter Field.

The loss dropped the Rafters (6-17) despite a strong comeback effort in the third inning, as Wisconsin Rapids erased an early deficit but couldn’t keep pace with the Mallards (16-10) over the final six innings.

The Rafters offense finished with five hits on the night, with Jack Zeller providing the biggest spark for the home crowd. After falling behind early, Zeller delivered a two-run single in the third inning to help fuel a four-run frame that brought Wisconsin Rapids back into the game.

Zeller finished the night with two RBIs. Connor Harvie added a double and a single, while Jax LeGrand and David Ketterman each contributed doubles in the Rafters’ offensive effort.

Madison broke the game open in the second inning, taking advantage of a string of early opportunities to build a six-run lead. After Jonah Weathers singled and John Hadley VI reached base, the Mallards capitalized with timely production and a series of free passes. 

Aaron Holland delivered the biggest blow of the inning with a bases-clearing hit, while Cole Crafton and Dom Jacoby added RBI knocks to push Madison ahead 6-1.

Wisconsin Rapids answered in the third inning. After walks helped set the table, Zeller drove in two runs with a single before Ketterman followed with an RBI double to cut the deficit. Harvie added another run-scoring hit to bring the Rafters within one at 6-5.

The Mallards added separation in the sixth inning. Crafton singled and Holland reached before Jacoby launched a two-run home run to extend the Madison lead. Holland later added another RBI, pushing the advantage to 9-5.

Both starting pitchers battled through early trouble. Madison starter Manny Lantigua earned the win after allowing three runs over 2.1 innings. Skyler Lhamon followed with 4.2 scoreless innings of relief, striking out six while allowing just two hits.

Wisconsin Rapids starter Connor Raridan took the loss after working two innings. Raridan allowed six runs on four hits with three walks and four strikeouts. The Rafters bullpen kept the team within striking distance, with Colton LaFave and David Ladjevic combining for six innings of relief.

The Rafters will look to bounce back in their next matchup at Witter Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT.