Rattlers Fall in Pitchers Duel

COMSTOCK PARK, MI – Jake Holton drove in the only run of Tuesday’s game between the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and West Michigan Whitecaps at LMCU Ballpark.  Holton had an RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Whitecaps beat the Timber Rattlers 1-0.

Antoine Kelly was sharp in a short start in this game for Wisconsin (47-34 overall, 11-5 second half).  Kelly, who is heading to the SiriusXM Futures Game in Los Angeles later this week, pitched three scoreless, hitless innings.  He walked one and struck out two.

Carlos Guzmán was just as good for West Michigan (43-39, 12-4) as their starting pitcher.  Guzmán allowed three hits with no walks and five strikeouts over five innings to keep the game scoreless.

Joey Matulovich put more zeroes on the scoreboard out of the Timber Rattlers bullpen as he allowed two hits and struck out three over three innings.

The Whitecaps used four relievers to keep Wisconsin off the scoreboard through nine innings to set themselves up for the winner in the bottom of the ninth.  The Rattlers had four hits and did not have a runner reach second base in the game.

James Meeker, Wisconsin’s third pitcher of the evening, got the first out in the bottom of the ninth.  Then, Josh Crouch doubled off the wall in right.  Meeker got the second out of the inning on a ground out that sent Crouch to third.  Holton didn’t let any drama build as he sent a single through the right side of the infield to score Crouch with the run for West Michigan win.

Wisconsin was held to four hits in the game.  Jose Acosta had two singles for the Timber Rattlers.  Tristan Peters and Darrien Miller also had singles.  The Rattlers did not have a runner reach second base in the game.

Game two of the series is a Wednesday day game at LMCU Ballpark.  Israel Puello (1-1, 1.50) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers.  Matt Walker (0-1, 9.00) is set to start for the Whitecaps.  First pitch is scheduled for 11:05am CDT.  The radio broadcast is on AM1280, WNAM and internet audio starting with the pregame show at 10:45am.  This game is also available to MiLB.tv subscribers.