Wisconsin Rapids, WI— The Rafters fall to Kalamazoo in a low scoring contest. It was a 4-1 game with only 7 combined hits. 4 to the Growlers and 3 to the Rafters.
Josh Howitt was given the start as he had an uncharacteristic day given how good of a pitcher he is. He went 4 innings and allowed a hit and a run. He threw 5 walks with 3 strikeouts as well.
The bottom of the 3rd was up and the Growlers delivered. Banks Tolley got on first from error while Mitchell walked. Henry Godbout then hit a hard ground ball to second and Tolley took home. The play was at the plate and after a questionable call from the umpire, Tolley was ruled safe. The umpire claimed that Jensen did not tag Tolley, which seemed up for debate.
It was 2 more scoreless innings of baseball and then Kalamazoo added to their lead in the 6th. Rafter pitcher Malakai Vetock, had trouble finding the strike zone as he walked 3 straight batters. With 2 outs and a full count, the Growler catcher, Luke Mitchell, hit a line drive into left field to bring 2 runs to score. It was a 3-0 hole for the Rats and they were in trouble.
A quick response from the Rafters in the top of the 7th as they grabbed a run back. A standout of the day for the Rats was newly acquired Panama native, Orlando, Lorduy, he read the 1-0 pitch perfectly and smoked a ball to right field for a solo home run. He had a great game in his debut as he went 2-4 with a double as well. Unfortunately, Kalamazoo had a home run of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Virginia product, Henry Godbout, grabbed another RBI as he slammed a solo home run into left field to put the Growlers back up by 3. The Rats had no response after that.
A tough game on both sides of the ball for the Rafters as their bullpen threw 8 walks and 5 strikeouts. They had a tough time getting the bats going and there were a lot of fly outs. They fell to 27-21 overall and 7-6 in the second half
************************************************************
Know some top athletic performances? Seeing some great teams in action?
We can use your help, and it’s simple. Witness some great performances? Hear about top athletes and top teams in our area?
Nominate an athlete or team: HERE
Pancakes or Waffles! We feature top area athletes with our world-renowned feature. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
Baked or Fried! We also feature difference makers throughout central Wisconsin: coaches, booster club leaders, adminstration, volunteers, you name it. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
College Athlete Roundup! We want to recognize student-athletes from the area who are competing at the college level. Send us information on college athletes from the area with our simple form HERE
Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach or difference maker who we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HEREÂ
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
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]
