Peters takes the ball as Rafters try to rebound
Kenosha, Wis. – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (37-19, 13-7) return to action on Sunday as they look to salvage a split with the Kenosha Kingfish (22-35, 6-15) at Simmons Field. After dropping Saturday night’s ballgame by a score of 4-1, the Rafters will make their second attempt at earning the franchise’s 200th all-time victory.
On the mound for the Rafters will be Wisconsin native Jay Peters (UW-Milwaukee), who owns a record of 2-1 and a 5.31 ERA in eight previous starts. The Rafters’ Opening Day starter, Peters has worked 42 1/3 innings and struck out 33 batters compared to 16 walks in his second season with the Rafters. Peters, a right-hander, looks to build off his most recent outing against Thunder Bay. In the game, Peters lasted six innings and allowed just one run on two hits, walking two and striking out three. Consistently throughout the season, Peters has been the beneficiary of outstanding run support from the Rafters’ lineup, receiving at least four runs of backing on five separate occasions. In games started by Peters, the Rafters own a 6-2 mark this summer.
Taking the ball for the Kingfish will be UW-Stevens Point right-hander Cole Erickson, who will pitch for the tenth time and make his ninth start. Entering play, Erickson sits at 2-2 with a 4.90 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings of work—the second most on the team. Until his most recent outing in which he lasted 4 1/3 innings, Erickson had worked seven innings in four consecutive starts. Despite the Kingfish having won three of Erickson’s last four starts, the Deerfield native has not received a decision since June 27.
First pitch between the Rafters and Kingfish is slated for 4:05 PM at Simmons Field.
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The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 23rd season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 150 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store and set the Rafters as your favorite team.
