For the City Times

McReaken strong out of the bullpen to seal victory

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – In the series finale at Witter Field, Wisconsin Rapids (42-18, 15-9) defeated Lakeshore (31-28, 13-11) on Sunday, 6-2. Scott Kapers drove in two runs on a double in the fourth inning and the Rafters took advantage of two costly Lakeshore errors. Mason McReaken tossed three and a third scoreless innings to finish the game and bounce back after falling in last night’s game.

Lakeshore jumped out to a lead in the second inning, but Rafters starter George Castillo was able to minimize the damage, allowing one run. Drake Lubin drove in the run for the Chinooks, singling back up the middle to plate Jack Dunn. An outfield assist from Jake Guenther to Bryson Stott to the catcher Scott Kapers cut down a would be run at home plate and a fly out with the bases loaded ended the threat.

The Rafters took advantage of a walk and a Lakeshore error to move runners into scoring position in the fourth inning. With runners on the corners with two outs, Scott Kapers delivered a double off the wall in left field to score Ryan Stekl and Will Davis. Wisconsin Rapids carried a 2-1 lead into the fifth inning.

It didn’t take long for the Chinooks to respond, with Daniel DeSimone tying the ball game with one swing in top of the fifth. DeSimone hit his fifth home run on the year to tie the game at two.

Wisconsin Rapids regained the lead in the sixth, scoring three runs on two hits and a Lakeshore error. With runners on second and third, a ground ball from Scott Kapers slipped through the legs of the Chinook third baseman and two runs crossed. Kapers came around to score on a Charlie McConnell RBI single to right field to put the Rafters up 5-2 entering the seventh.

The Rafters added an insurance run in the seventh, with Dustin Woodcock driving in Bryson Stott on a sacrifice fly to center.

McReaken (2-1) earned the victory, tossing the final three and a third innings of scoreless baseball to defeat the Chinooks. Castillo started for the Rafters and tossed five and two-third innings, allowing two runs on nine hits.

The Rafters open a two game home series against the Kalamazoo Growlers Monday; with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. Coverage of the game starts at 6:50 p.m. on AM 1320 WFHR and WFHR.com, the Rafters Radio Network. Monday is Salute to Wisconsin Sports Day. Wear your favorite Wisconsin team’s gear and be entered into a drawing to win sports memorabilia throughout the night.