By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
ASHWAUBENON — The Green Bay Booyah cranked out eight hits and added late runs, but it wasn’t enough in a 5-3 Northwoods League loss to Wisconsin Rapids Aug. 12 at Capital Credit Union Park.
“It’s the story of the game,“ said Tom Carty, Booyah manager. “When you get opportunities against a quality team, you have to get a crooked number on the scoreboard. I thought we battled hard in the last two innings, but it’s hard to put (Rapids) away when you spot them a lead.”
Starting Rafters pitcher Chris McElvain picked up the win, while Dalton Wiggins took the loss for Green Bay.
Relief pitchers were in demand.
In all, 12 pitchers were used … seven by the home team and five by the visitors.
Booyah first basemen Nick Kreutzer went 2-for-5 on the night.
“We have some guys leaving us as the week goes on,” Carty said. “We have some new faces as well. We’re trying to manage the last two weeks the best we can in regards to the rotation.”
The Rafters (28-10 overall) struck in the top of the first after Jason DiCochea hit a sacrifice fly to center field to bring home Richie Schiekofer, who doubled to lead off.
In the top of the second, Kyle Teel hit a 390-foot home run to give Rapids a 2-0 lead.
Green Bay (16-22) added a run of its own after Brady West came across the plate in the bottom half of the inning.
A little later after Rapids added single runs in the fourth and sixth innings, Parker Nolan homered just inside the left-field foul pole for a 5-1 lead in the top half of the eighth.
Unlike the previous night, the Booyah made a late push.
In the bottom of the eighth, West and Weston Eberly both walked to open the inning.
After Colin Kleffman hit into a double play, Trent Bauer walked.
Noah Granet singled to center to bring home one run and cut the deficit to 5-2.
Next, Pinch hitter Stephen Hrustich laced a double down the third-base line, which stayed fair at the last second, bringing home Bauer.
It ended one batter later, as Green Bay left the bases loaded for the second time in the game.
Brayden Bonner came on in the ninth to get the save for Rapids.
The Booyah will be back in action Aug. 13-14 when they host the La Crosse Loggers for a two-game homestand.
“We talked about the playoffs today,” Carty added. “We’re sitting in there right now, but it’s not a comfortable lead. You want to try and secure the spot soon by playing good baseball and stringing together some wins.”
Box score
Wisconsin Rapids: 110 101 010—5
Green Bay: 010 000 020—3