For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Rafters scored three runs while Madison committed three errors in the field to win game two of the season series by a final of 3-1.

The cranberry and gold struck first in the third. Bret Fehr (SIU-Edwardsville) hit a single to right to get things started. Fehr would then steal second successfully and advanced to third on a groundout. Tommy Szczasny (Northern Illinois) forced an errant throw from Mallards’ third baseman Tyler Plantier, allowing Fehr to score. Szczasny reached first safely again this time on error by first baseman Jake Randa. Jordan Larson (Northern Illinois) drove in the second run with an infield hit.

The Mallards answered in the sixth with a Trevor Schwecke home run to right field. Wisconsin Rapids tacked on one more in the ninth off another error by Plantier. Larson would force the error this time allowing Szczasny to touch home plate after reaching on a fielder’s choice.

The Rafters pitching was excellent. Trayson Kubo (Stephen F. Austin) earned the win by throwing five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and fanning six. Jonathan Hernandez (Chapman) pitched the sixth and seventh allowing just the Schwecke home run. Mason McReaken (SIU-Edwardsville) locked it down from there to earn his first save of the year and second of his Rafters’ career.

Dalton Wiggins was given the loss for the Mallards despite allowing just two unearned runs.

The Rafters travel to Wausau to face the Woodchucks May 31 at Athletic Park, to conclude their three-game road trip. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.