WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters took game two in their first 2021 series against the Madison Mallards. The game saw 25 hits and 20 runs, with the Rafters winning 12-8.
The scoring began in the second from Madison after two singles, one being an RBI base hit from Jacob Slonim. The Mallards took a three run lead after a home run from the debuting Alex Indisernia in the top of the third.
In the bottom of the third, five consecutive Rafters reached base off four hits and a walk. Ben Swords (Webster) hit a two-run single to cap off a five-run third inning.
Rafters starter Cole Eigenhaus (Sacramento City CC) held the lead for his final inning of work in the fourth.
Wisconsin Rapids tacked on two more runs in the fourth. Josh Nicoloff (Kansas State) had an RBI single and after four innings the Rafters led 7-3.
Andrew Duran (New Orleans) entered the game in the fifth. Two walks and a single loaded the bases, all three Mallards would reach home along with Bryant Shellenbarger who doubled to tie the game at seven.
The Rafters responded as both Elijah Dickerson (La Salle) and Reeve Holley (Cal Baptist) walked and came around to score following another single from Nicoloff. Nicoloff finished with 3 RBI.
Colin Kiernan (Kean) was called on to protect a two-run lead in the sixth, he struck out the side.
Wisconsin Rapids tacked on three additional runs in the seventh. Hank Zeisler blasted a two run double and McKinely Erves hit an RBI single.
Kiernan finished the last two innings getting a 6-4-3 double play to end the eighth and a two strikeouts in the final inning. He allowed only one run and earned the win in relief.
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]
