For the City Times

Wisconsin Rapids looks to sweep Madison before the all-star break

MADSON – After taking game one 12-5, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (7-4) close the series with the Madison Mallards (6-5) Sunday and head into the 2019 all-star break.

CJ Willis scored first with a solo homer in the second inning on Saturday as the Rafters cruised to a 12-5 triumph and moved into second place in the Great Lakes West Division. Edarian Williams and Matt Oldham both had two RBIs in the win.

Nathan Hemmerling is projected to start for Wisconsin Rapids. The freshman righty has a 4-1 record and a 1.72 ERA this summer. In his last outing, Hemmerling threw six shutout innings and gave up just three hits. Madison is projected to start Trevor Marreel, who is currently 3-1 with a 3.57 ERA.

The Rafters have four players representing the Cranberry and Gold at the Northwoods League All-Star Game in Waterloo, Iowa. Outfielder Richie Schiekofer and catcher Jake Dunham, along with pitchers Neil Abbatiello and Matt Osterberg were selected.

When the team returns to Historic Witter Field on July 18, there will be a special guest appearance by former Packer and Super Bowl champion Nick Collins, presented by Solarus, as the Rafters take on the Kenosha Kingfish.

Want to attend a Rafters game this season? Single-game tickets are on sale now. For more information on all Rafters ticket offerings visit Raftersbaseball.com, call the Rafthouse at 715-424-5400, or come visit us over at historic Witter Field. The Rafters ticket office is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday at Witter Field, 521 Lincoln Street in Wisconsin Rapids.