Six-run third propels Rattlers to win

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers received three clutch two-out hits in the third inning on Wednesday night and three pitchers made the big inning more than enough. The Rattlers beat the West Michigan Whitecaps 6-1 at Fifth Third Ballpark.

Wisconsin (3-3) loaded the bases with one out in the top of the first inning. Two walks and a hit batsman by West Michigan starting pitcher Kevin Ziomek put a Rattler on every base. Ziomek got out of the frame with a strikeout and a popup.

West Michigan (3-3) took the lead in the bottom of the first inning. Dominic Ficociello came to the plate with runners at first and third with one out in the bottom of the first inning and smacked a single to drive in a run for a 1-0 lead.

The Rattlers, who went 1-for-15 and stranded 12 runners in Tuesday's loss to the Whitecaps, looked like they might let another chance go by in the third inning. Omar Garcia walked and Chris McFarland singled to start the inning with runners on first and second. But, they were just on second and third with two outs.

Clint Coulter battled from a 1-2 count, fouled off three two-strike pitches, and drew a walk to load the bases. Jose Pena made the work pay off with a sharp single to left that drove in Garcia and McFarland and put the Rattlers up 2-1.

West Michigan starting pitcher Kevin Ziomek walked David Denson to reload the bases and was replaced by reliever Jon Maciel.

Rafael Neda greeted Maciel with a two-run single and Omar Garcia followed with a two-run double to put the Rattlers up 6-1.

Wisconsin starting pitcher Tyler Alexander struggled to get through the first inning, but only allowed one hit and retired the final eight batters he faced before leaving the game with 70 pitches in four inning. He struck out five to set a single game high as a professional.

Taylor Williams took over for Alexander in the bottom of the fifth and pitched four scoreless innings.

Trevor Seidenberger pitched a scoreless ninth to close out the game.

The final game of the three game set at Fifth Third Ballpark is scheduled for Wednesday. Tristan Archer (0-0, 0.00) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. West Michigan will counter with Chad Green (0-0, 9.00). First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 am CDT. Tune in for the broadcast starting with the pregame show at 10:40 am. Wednesday's game is also available on IHeartRadio and MiLB.tv.

WP: Taylor Williams (1-0)
LP: Kevin Ziomek (0-1)

TIME: 2:39
ATTN: 1,693