For the City Times

KENOSHA – As the playoff race continues to heat up, the first-place Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (20-12) took a tough 8-2 loss against the Kenosha Kingfish (18-15) on Aug. 7.

The Rafters magic number to clinch a playoff spot and home field advantage is still three as there are just four games remaining in the regular season. Wisconsin Rapids has a 1.5-game lead on Fond du Lac in the Great Lakes West Division.

The Rafters struck early and jumped out on top when Frankie Garriola scored on a wild pitch in the first inning. Osvaldo Tovalin brought Garriola home in the third on an RBI double to put the Rafters up 2-0.

Kenosha tied the game in the bottom of the inning and built an 8-2 lead over the next five frames, holding on to sweep the series. Mitch Apple earns the win for the Kingfish in one inning of relief.

Rafters starter Gareth Stroh struck out six batters in four innings as the starter, giving up just three hits. Cody Turner is credited with the loss, throwing 2.2 innings out of the bullpen.