For the City Times

Luke Phillips and Payton Robertson will call Wisconsin Rapids home this summer

Luke Phillips

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — On March 27, the Rafters announced the signing of third baseman Luke Phillips from the University of West Alabama and middle-infielder Payton Robertson of Lamar University.

Luke Phillips is a 6-foot-1, 204-pound infielder who mans third base for the University of West Alabama Tigers. Through 25 games, the sophomore right-handed hitter sports a slash line of .259/.341/.370. The Saraland, Alabama native has collected 22 hits, scored 12 runs and earned 29 total bases so far this season. Phillips plays with no fear as well, he leads the team in hit by pitch with six and is also tied for the team lead in stolen bases with three successful steals in four attempts. Phillips opened eyes with his performance as a freshman. He was named the Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year after hitting .371 in 59 games with 83 hits, 12 doubles, four triples, three home runs and tied for the team lead in RBIs with 53. Luke’s younger brother Colby also plays baseball for West Alabama.

Payton Robertson

Payton Robertson is a sophomore infielder who primarily plays shortstop for Lamar University. The 5-foot-7, 164-pound native of Orange, Texas appeared in 26 games his freshman year with 14 starts between third base and shortstop. Robertson scored 10 runs, snagged nine hits, drove in six and forced seven walks in limited action his freshman season. Robertson will also have plenty of opportunity to turn double plays this season for Wisconsin Rapids. He has helped turn eight double plays thus far in his young career. His senior year at West Orange-Stark High School, Robertson hit. 407 and stole 36 bases. Payton’s father, Roderick, played professional baseball in the Phillies organization and his uncle, Andre, played for the New York Yankees.

Phillips, Robertson and the rest of the 2018 Wisconsin Rapids Rafters will begin their season on the road against the Madison Mallards on Tuesday, May 29th. The Home Opener is slated for Friday, June 1st against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The entire 2018 Rafters schedule is available at www.raftersbaseball.com.