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Wisconsin Rapids, WI August 6, 2010. One big inning spoiled some clutch early game hitting as the Wisconsin Woodchucks held on to beat the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 8-7 Friday night.
On a night that featured five Rafters runs scored with two out hits, they fell one clutch knock short when Beck Wheeler grounded out in the ninth with the tying run at third. Wheeler though kept the Rafters ahead and afloat in his first four at bats with two doubles, a single and a run scored.
The top of the seventh proved the downfall for the Rafters and starter Jesse Arreola. Leading 4-3 into the inning, an error, hit batsman and an infield single loaded the bases. An RBI single scored two and forced Arreola from the game. Garrett Branske entered and allowed both inherited runners to score and then one more to spot the Woodchucks five runs and an 8-4 lead.
Looking a near blow-out in the face, the Rafters climbed back into the game with two in the bottom of the seventh. Michael Smith came through with the third Rafters two out RBI hit of the night to make it 8-6.
Still trailing by two in the bottom of the ninth Jenzen Torres smashed a leadoff double to start the Rafters thinking about a comeback. After a ground out, Torres came home from third on a pinch hit single from Cody Koback. But with Koback at third with two down the well of clutch hits ran dry.
Brad Hallberg put the Rafters offense on his shoulders early. Hallberg’s second inning two out double gave the Rafters their first lead at 2-1. Then with two on and again two out in the fourth, Hallberg lashed a two RBI single to left to put the Rafters ahead once again.
Arreola lasted six full innings, allowed seven runs, six earned, on seven hits and struck out three. The loss moves the lefty to 3-4 on the season. Garrett Branske allowed one run in the seventh then tossed two scoreless innings of relief as the Rafters made their late charge.
The Rafters close out the three game series with a 7:05 game on Saturday night. Gates open at 6:05 as the Rafters and Woodchucks square off for the last time this season.
The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. Single game tickets, ticket packages and group tickets are on sale now! For more information call (715) 424-5400 or visit www.raftersbaseball.com.
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