The Battle Creek Bombers fell 3-2 to the Madison Mallards Thursday night at Warner Park. With the loss, Battle Creek drops to 1-1 in the second half of the season and 19-19 overall.
The Bombers got on the scoreboard first early on against the Mallards. First baseman Nick Podkul led off the second inning with a walk. Designated hitter Christian Helsel hit a sacrifice bunt to advance Podkul to second base. Dean Miller followed with a single, advancing Podkul to third base. After Miller stole second base, first baseman Kevin Dupree hit a double to center field, scoring both Podkul and Miller, giving the Bombers the 2-0 lead.
The Mallards scored one run in both the second inning and third inning to tie the game. With the game tied at two in the top of the fourth inning, Kevin Dupree reached base on a one-out walk. Second baseman Cody Sporrer and shortstop Daniel Patzlaff each hit a single to load the bases for the Bombers. Jarrod Watkins grounded to first baseman Nate Palace, and he threw home to get Dupree out at the plate. With two outs, Daniel Jipping flew out to center field to end the threat for the Bombers.
The Bombers had another chance to score to break the 2-2 tie in the eighth inning. Nick Podkul led off the eighth with a single, and Christian Helsel reached on an error, and Podkul advanced to third on the error. With runners on first and third with nobody out, Dean Miller struck out. The Bombers attempted a double steal. The throw was cut off by shortstop Nico Hoerner, who threw home to get Podkul out. Kevin Dupree followed with a strikeout to end the threat.
Andrew Click made his debut for the Bombers. He went six innings and allowed two runs on seven hits. He did not allow a walk and struck out five batters, as he got a no decision. Max Ritchie relieved Click in the seventh inning and went one inning out of the bullpen. He faced one batter in the eighth inning and allowed a walk. Designated hitter Christian Helsel came on to pitch for the Bombers. He allowed a double in his appearance, as the Mallards took the 3-2 lead, but the run was charged to Ritchie, who took the loss.
The Bombers head back to Battle Creek to play a two-game series against the Mankato Moondogs starting Friday night at 7:05.
