For the City Times

Rafters bring in two RHP’s; Graf returning from 2016

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — The Rafters have signed right-handed pitcher Mason McReaken of SIU-Edwardsville, a teammate of Raftersoutfielder Dustin Woodcock. Joining McReaken on the pitching staff will be a familiar face in Keaton Graf, who pitched with the team before injuring his arm a season ago.

The Rafters are excited to announce the signing of right-handed pitcher Mason McReaken from SIU Edwardsville. In his first season with SIUE, the Centralia, Illinois native has appeared in 18 games, all out of the bullpen. McReaken has already notched six saves in 36 innings, while boasting an ERA of 3.03. The Rafter-to-be has a strikeout rate of nearly nine per nine innings on the hill.  McReaken started his career at Kaskaskia Community College where he served as the teams closer. He finished his sophomore year with a 3-5 record and a team-high six saves. He struck out 58 hitters in nearly 53 innings pitched. As a freshman, McReaken owned a 4-1 mark with an ERA of 1.72.

Set to return to Rapids this summer is Keaton Graf of New Mexico State. Before an injury in 2016 forced Graf to end his summer with the Rafters, the right-handed pitcher appeared in three games, picking up a win against Green Bay in a two-inning stint. This year at the division one level, the righty has pitched eight innings, striking out ten batters for the Aggies. Before attending New Mexico State, Graf started his college career at two community colleges. He first began with Cowley CC before transferring to Johnson County CC in 2016. With Johnson County, Graf pitched to a 3-3 record, while holding a 3.13 ERA in 25 relief outings.