For the City-Times

It was a tough, hard fought game as the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (5-16) dropped a 4-2 game to the La Crosse Loggers (13-8). One thousand one hundred and sixty two fans braved a lightning show and a close-fought game as the Loggers won their fifth consecutive game over Wisconsin Rapids.

The Loggers opened up the scoring when Ryan Kirby (San Diego) drove a two run home run to put La Crosse up. Kirby has two home runs on the season, both coming against Rafters’ pitching. The game would remain 2-0 as both starters settled in. La Crosse’s Kevin Roy (Columbia) continued his mastery over the Rafters as he went 6 innings without allowing a run. Roy peppered the strike zone as he struck out 9 and walked one.

Wisconsin Rapids’ Nick Blackburn (Illinois) battled through 6 innings as two earned runs were all he gave up. The Rafters had their chances, but they stranded nine runners on base. Wisconsin Rapids finally broke through in a wild bottom of the 7th inning. Michael Jurgella (St. Cloud State) picked up a RBI single and later came around to score when Zach Domingues (Long Beach State) got himself caught in a pickle after hitting a single. Jurgella scored during the ensuing run down.

Ryan Kirby would come through again in the top of the 8^th when he doubled in the eventual game- winning run. The Loggers would tack on an insurance run in the ninth and Breckin Williams (Missouri) finished the job.

The Rafters wrap up the final game of the homestand tomorrow as they play host to La Crosse and attempt salvage the series split.  Game time is slated for 7:05 PM as it is Riverview Family Clinic Night at the ballpark.