Rafters Tame Growlers, In First Matchup at Witter Field Since 2018

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Wisconsin Rapids gained 12 hits and are 3-0 against Kalamazoo

Wisconsin Rapids, WI – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (29-32) won their third matchup against the Kalamazoo Growlers (23-38) this season, by a score of 4-2 on a Monday evening at Witter Field.

Four runs were scored in the first inning. Kalamazoo got their only two runs and two of six total hits, in their first two-at bats, with a single and then a home run to go up 2-0.

The Rafters responded with three hits in the bottom half of the first. Kyle Teel (Virginia) brought home Couper Cornblum (Wichita State) with a groundout, and Ben Swords (Webster) delivered an RBI single to center field to knot up the score.

The second through sixth innings saw no runs and a combined 11 runners on base.

Rafters’ starter Will Haberstock (North Alabama) went two through four, striking out six batters. Cole Eigenhuis (Sacramento City CC) struck out two Growlers in a 13 pitch fifth. Hunter Waldis (Seton Hall) started his outing in the sixth with a 1-2-3 inning.

Wisconsin Rapids led off the seventh with runners on the corners. EJ Exposito (Long Island) increased his team lead in runs batted in to 34, with a go-ahead RBI single. In the eighth, Couper Cornblum doubled, stole third, and scored on a fielder’s choice.

Hunter Waldis had his longest outing of the season, finishing the game and earning the win. The right-hander struck out seven, a season-high, and only allowed three baserunners through four scoreless innings.

“It is a different mindset when you go longer,” said Waldis “The most important thing always is throwing strikes and getting outs.”

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David Keech
Author: David Keech

David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]