Wisconsin stops five game losing streak
Kane County (50-51 overall, 16-15 second half) scored first with a little small ball. Justin Trapp singled, stole second, and moved to third on a ground out to the right side by Jack Lopez. Danny Mateo singled to drive in Trapp for a 1-0 lead.
The Rattlers (58-42, 14-17) stormed back with five runs in the top of the second inning. Nick Ramirez doubled with one out. Mike Garza drove in Ramirez with a single to tie the game. Wisconsin loaded the bases when Lance Roenicke was hit by a pitch and Rafael Neda singled. Yadiel Rivera put the Rattlers in front with a run scoring fielder's choice.
Chadwin Stang was next and he cracked a 2-run triple to right-center to put the Rattlers up 4-1. Max Walla followed with an RBI single to left and the Rattlers lead moved to 5-1.
Miller took that four run lead and ran with it. He worked around a few base runners and kept the Cougars from scoring again until the seventh inning. Kenny Swab singled to start the inning, but needed a two-out triple from Trapp to score and cut Wisconsin's lead to 5-2.
The Cougars would get no closer. Miller went back out for the eighth inning and retired Kane County in order. He allowed two runs on six hits, walked one, and struck out four to pick up his eighth win of the season.
Tyler Cravy worked around a leadoff single in the bottom of the ninth inning to toss a scoreless frame to close out the Cougars and pick up his second save of the season.
Game two of the series is Thursday night at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. Chad Pierce (3-3, 3.64) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Kane County sends Kyle Zimmer to the mound. Zimmer was drafted in the first round - and fifth overall - of the 2012 draft by the Kansas City Royals. He will be making his Midwest League debut on Thursday night. Game time is 6:30pm. Tune in for the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:10pm.
WP: Matt Miller (8-7)
LP: Angel Baez (5-3)
SAVE: Tyler Cravy (2)
TIME: 2:32
ATTN: 3,142