For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (27-31) blanked the Madison Mallards (28-28) 3-0, on July 30, as the Mallards stranded six runners in scoring position. The Rafters improve to 5-1 against the Mallards at Witter Field this season.

The three runs scored by Wisconsin Rapids came in the first inning. With two runners aboard, EJ Exposito (Long Island) struck a ball deep over the left-field wall. It was his second home run of the season after sending one out last night. Exposito went 5 for 6 in the home and home series against the Mallards with 5 RBIs.

Ben Schoneman (Colorado School of Mines) threw 6.2 innings scoreless in his ninth start of the season. The right-hander struck out five batters and left six runners on base.

“Getting the changeup out and away from left-handers worked out tonight, and the defense made plays behind me,” said Schoneman.

Hunter Waldis (Seton Hall) gained the final out in the seventh inning after Sterling Hayes (Creighton) threw out a Mallard at the plate. Waldis worked a scoreless eighth and has not given up a run since June 19.

Brayden Bonner (Dixie State) entered in the ninth. He earned his seventh save of the season and 25th as a Rafter.

“It has been a great ride,” said Bonner. “It has been really fun playing out here for the last three years, making relationships, and playing in front of these fans.”