By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
ASHWAUBENON – Green Bay Rockers field manager Chris Krepline said all that stood between his team having a chance to win its season opener against Wisconsin Rapids was two bad pitches.
Rockers pitchers combined struck out 18 batters but gave up two long balls in a 3-0 loss Tuesday, May 31, in Northwoods League action at Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon.
“That’s all it was,” Krepline said. “I was happy with how we played – I didn’t realize we had that many strikeouts as a staff. We’re finding out things as a team – we found out we can pitch and have pretty good defenders.”
The Rafters got a solo homer from Marco Castillo in the top of the second inning and a two-run homer from Ben Ross in the seventh.
Green Bay pitchers Dylan Carter (eight strikeouts), Jacob Schaaf (six strikeouts) and Jacob Conover (four strikeouts) kept Wisconsin Rapids hitters guessing, but the trio also combined to walk seven.
The Rockers managed only three hits – a pair by Matt Scannell and one by Griffin Stevens – and struck out 13 times at the plate, but Krepline said the offense will come.
“These guys are coming from all over and getting adjusted,” he said. “For some, it was a long road trip to get to Green Bay. I’m not worried.”
It was the first time the club played at home under the new Rockers name, and Krepline said it was a cool atmosphere.
“The guys knew coming in it would be a fun environment,” he said. “I like the change, so we’ll try to build on the culture.”
Like most other teams in the Northwoods League, Krepline said the Rockers don’t have their full arsenal of players because many are still playing in the NCAA postseason.
“We’re missing about six pitchers, at least two outfielders and two or three infielders right now,” he said. “Many of our full-time guys aren’t here yet. I wish them well in their tournaments, but it will be nice to have them back.”