Rattlers Limp Home After 8th Straight Loss

BATTLE CREEK, MI -- The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers took an 0-fer on their eight game road trip to Michigan. The Southwest Michigan Devil Rays completed a four game sweep of the Rattlers with a 5-2 victory Thursday night at C.O. Brown Stadium. Greg Reinhard, a native of Marinette, Wisconsin, struck out seven over 5-1/3 innings for his third win of the year. Matt Devins had a key two-run single for the Devil Rays.

Southwest Michigan (39-45 overall, 7-8 second half) scored two quick runs in the first inning. An RBI single by J.T. Hall made it 1-0. Later in the inning, Christian Lopez made it 2-0 with a sacrifice fly.

Robby Hudson put the Rattlers (29-56, 2-13) on the board when he started the top of the fourth inning with his first professional home run.

But, the Devil Rays answered with an unearned run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Devins singled, went to third on a wild pick off throw by catcher Travis Scott, and scored on a wild pitch by Rattler pitcher Ruben Flores.

Wisconsin crept back to within a run on an RBI single in the top of the sixth by Hudson.

However, the Devil Rays added to their lead in the bottom of the inning. A two-run single by Devins made it 5-2.

The Devil Ray bullpen nailed down the win for Reinhard. Greg Dupas earned his twentieth save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Wisconsin started the trip being swept in a four game series at West Michigan.

The Rattlers return home to Fox Cities Stadium and begin a four game series with the Lansing Lugnuts Friday night. Jose Escalona (4-7, 4.07ERA) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rattlers. Chi-Hung Cheng (6-4, 3.55ERA) is slated to start for the Lugnuts. Game time is 7:05pm CDT.