Wisconsin Rapids, WI— It was a gutsy win for the Rafters as they stole a 2-0 victory in Fond Du Lac. The Rats out hit the Dock Spiders 6-4.
This was a defensive duel right from the jump. Newly acquired pitcher, Jackson Corrigan, got the start on the mound and gave up 2 hits with a walk. Fond Du Lac grabbed a double play in the top of the 2nd as they were sound defensively. They retired the first 9 batters and the Rafters could not bring in runs.
Another new pitcher, Brandon Scott, out of Hillsdale College stepped on the mound in the top of the 3rd and gave up a hit with 2 strikeouts. He had a great command on the mound and the Dock Spiders had trouble reading his pitches.
The top of the 6th came around and Wisconsin Rapids was inches away from taking the lead. Johnson walked and then was thrown out at 2nd. Bobo eventually got to second on a fielder’s choice and with Lorduy due up, the Rafters had a chance. Lorduy saw the 1-2 pitch and lined a ball into left field, Bobo took off to go home and the Dock Spider right fielder, Parker Knoll, rifled a throw home and Rios made the tag to get Bobo out.
The Fond Du lac pitcher, Mason Weckler, had a good day on the mound as he went 7 innings, gave up 4 hits and no runs. When he left the game at the end of the 7th, that opened the door for the Rafters. There were a lot of fly and ground out’s this game and many 3 up and 3 down innings. James Bornick got to 3rd in the top of the 7th, but with 2 outs, Mrowiec struck out swinging.
It wasn’t until the top of the 9th inning where the Rafters made their mark. They won the game in the 9th yesterday and did so once again today. The Xavier pitcher, Jack Niedringhaus, lost his command as Brendan Bobo led off with a single to 1st. Lorduy remained disciplined at the plate and drew the first walk of the day. Fond Du Lac brought in a new pitcher, but it did slow down the team from Wisconsin Rapids. Bobo and Lorduy read the pitch perfectly and advanced the bases to put 2 in scoring position. Galason struck out, and this brought James Bornick, the Marian product, up to bat. James was playing at his home field and then hit a hard ground ball into their second baseman to send in Bobo to crack the scoreboard for the Rats. Kyle Carlson grabbed his first and most important hit of the day by smashing a ground ball into left field to allow Lorduy to cruise home.
Brycen Parrish faced no pressure in the bottom of the 9th as he retired the side in 3 batters while striking out 2 to end the game. There is a reason while the Rafters have the 3rd best fielding percentage in the league and they put it on display tonight. They committed one error in the field, but it did cause them any problems. They threw 4 pitchers and Parrish proved why he has one of the best arms on the team. Wisconsin Rapids are winners of 6 straight and have cruised into first place.
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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]
