Rattlers walkoff with an extra-innings win

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers rallied a couple of times and eventually defeated the Burlington Bees 5-4 in eleven innings on Monday night. Mitch Haniger drove in a pair of runs, including the game winning run on a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the eleventh inning, to send the Rattlers back to .500 and to their first walkoff win of 2013.

Burlington (12-20) took the lead with a two out rally in the top of the first. Sherman Johnson singled with two outs. Wade Hinkle followed with an RBI double on an 0-2 pitch.

Wisconsin (17-17) tied the game in the bottom of the third. Jose Sermo drew a leadoff walk and Orlando Arcia followed with a hit-and-run single. Arcia stole second to put runners on second and third with no outs. Tyrone Taylor grounded out to short to drive in Sermo.

The Bees went back in front in the top of the fourth. They had the bases loaded with one out against Preston Gainey. The Rattlers starter got Kyle Johnson to send a slow chopper to short. The Rattlers got the runner at second, but Johnson beat the throw to first to allow the go ahead run to score.

Wisconsin rallied to go in front for the first time in the game with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth. Mike Reed extended his hitting streak to seven games with a leadoff single. Haniger followed with a triple to right-center to drive in Reed to tie the game. Victor Roache put the Rattlers up on a sacrifice fly to right that got Haniger home.

But, the Bees tied the game with two outs in the top of the eighth. Andrew Ray singled to left to drive in Anthony Bemboom from second base to even the score at three.

Chevy Clarke put Burlington back on top with two outs in the top of the tenth. Clarke hit an opposite field solo homer to left and the Bees had a 4-3 lead.

Reed started the Rattlers comeback in the tenth with a leadoff double, his second of three hits on the night. He took third on a ground out by Haniger, but he was still at third base with two outs. Chris McFarland drew a walk and ball four went to the backstop to let Reed score on the wild pitch to tie the game

Arcia started the game winning rally by drawing a walk against Kenny Hatcher, the sixth Burlington pitcher of the night. Taylor was asked to bunt Arcia into scoring position. The Rattlers centerfielder bunted up the first base line on a 1-2 pitch and reached on a bunt single to extend his hitting streak to seven games. Then, Reed singled on a sharp line drive to right field with the outfield playing in and Arcia could only make third base.

Haniger stepped to the plate and fell behind 1-2. But Hatcher missed with the next three pitches to walk Haniger and force in Arcia with the winning run.

Taylor Wall picked up the win for the Rattlers with a scoreless top of the eleventh inning.

The Timber Rattlers continue their homestand on Tuesday when they welcome in the Quad Cities River Bandits. Mike Strong (0-1, 2.63) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. The River Bandits have Jamaine Cotton (0-0, 0.00) as their scheduled starter. Game time is 6:35pm.

Baker Tilly, WVBO, and AM1280 WNAM present a Business Person Special on Tuesday. Show your business card when you purchase a ticket and for $11.50 you will receive a box seat ticket, a beverage and your choice of brat or hot dog. The offer is also available to seniors (aged 55 & older).

If you can't make it out to the ballpark, Time Warner Cable SportsChannel will televise the game. You may also tune in for the radio call on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:15pm. Tuesday's game is also available to subscribers of MiLB.TV.

WP: Taylor Wall (1-1)
LP: Kenny Hatcher (0-1)

TIME: 3:34
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