Rattlers get series split with Bees on 8-4 win
Jason Rogers put the Timber Rattlers (62-65 overall, 24-33 second half) in front in the first inning. His double to center scored Nick Shaw and TJ Mittelstaedt for an early 2-0 lead.
Burlington's defense committed four errors in the top of the second inning and the Rattlers took advantage to score four runs in the frame. Greg Hopkins was hit by a pitch and stole second with one out to start the rally. Reggie Keen sent a grounder to short and reached when the throw to first was high. Hopkins took third on that play.
Then, pitcher Nate Long was errant with a pickoff attempt on Keen at first and by the time that play was over Hopkins scored and Keen wound up at third base. Shaw's RBI single sent Keen home for a 4-0 lead.
Mittelstaedt was next and his hit and run single put Shaw at third base. Cody Hawn was next and he sent a grounder to first. The throw to second pulled the shortstop off the base on the force play and the return throw to first was wild as well. Shaw scored and Mittelstaedt went to third with Hawn holding at first.
Nick Ramirez capped the scoring in the inning with a double that scored Mittelstaedt for a 6-0 lead.
In the sixth inning, Cody Hawn grounded into a 4-6-3 double play with runners at the corners to plate another run for a 7-0 advantage.
Nelson cruised through the first five innings. He allowed a hit and walked a batter, but faced the minimum due to a pair of double plays by the Rattlers defense.
Burlington (68-59, 23-34) broke through against Nelson in the sixth. Royce Consigli singled to start the inning. Wade Kirkland doubled to put runners on second and third. Tyreace House singled to center to score both runners. Later in the inning, Nino Leyja's RBI grounder got House home to cut Wisconsin's lead to 7-3.
Nelson gave up a walk and a single to start the bottom of the seventh inning. He got the first out, but the call went to the bullpen for Casey Medlen to protect the lead.
Medlen struck out both batters he faced in the seventh to close out the inning and keep the Rattlers up 7-3.
Hawn extended the lead with an RBI ground rule double in the top of the eighth.
Burlington got a run off Alan Williams in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI double by Josh Whitaker.
In the bottom of the ninth, Williams loaded the bases with three walks and a fielder's choice. Adrian Rosario came on to get the final out of the game and to record his fifth save of the season.
The Timber Rattlers return home to begin a seven game homestand with a game against the Kane County Cougars. Eric Arnett (0-2, 5.91) is the scheduled starter for Wisconsin. Kane County will counter with Jason Adam (5-8, 4.48) as their starter. Game time is 7:05pm
Wednesday is a Bonus Bang for Your Buck Night with Pepsi products, Cher-Make hot dogs, and Miller Beer available for $1.
As always, Wednesday is also an American TV Win-It Wednesday. Every fan aged 16 and older will receive a scratch-off ticket. Every ticket is a winner with prizes from the Timber Rattlers and American TV of Appleton.
Waste Management invites you to show your pride in the championship Green Bay football team by wearing your favorite jersey, t-shirt, or cap for Go Green and Gold Night.
Plus, the first 1,000 fans to attend the game will receive a poster of Nick Ramirez, the current Timber Rattlers first baseman and 2011 4th round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers.
If you can't make it to Time Warner Cable Field for the game, you can tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm. Wednesday's game is also available on MiLB.TV.
WP: Jimmy Nelson (7-8)
LP: Nate long (7-7)
SAVE: Adrian Rosario (5)
TIME: 3:07
ATTN: 682