In a disappointing season on the field for the Madison Mallards, they decided to save the best for last as they swept a doubleheader from the Rochester Honkers before the largest crowd in Mallards history and Northwood’s League history.
A total of 5,037 came out on rainy conditions for fan appreciation night and they went home happy to say the least. In game one, the Mallards pounded a season high 17 hits in cruising to a 12-3 victory.
Mike Smith came on in relief of Michael Koehler to complete the suspended game and was fabulous. In evening his mark up at 2-2, Smith pitched five innings and gave up only one run on six hits while not walking a single batter.
The offense was the story however as it exploded off three different Rochester pitchers. Left fielder Jaime Martinez was the star as he went 4-4 with three runs scored, three RBI’s, two doubles and his second home run of the season. Second baseman Steve Sanfilippo also had three hits for the Mallards.
The Mallards broke open a tight 5-3 game with three runs in the seventh and four more runs in the eighth as they won to extend their winning streak to three games, the longest of the season.
In game two, the star was Dominic Ramos. Although he was only 1-3 on the evening, Ramos became the first Mallards player in history to play all nine positions in a single game, and he did so in seven innings of the Mallards 9-4 victory of the Honkers to sweep the doubleheader.
Amad Stephens started for the Mallards and was fabulous in improving his mark to 3-3 on the season. Stephens went 5 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits while walking three and striking out six.
Once again though, the Mallard offense was the story. They scored in every inning and there were many stars to go around. Martinez was great again, as he was 2-5 with two runs scored to complete a doubleheader of 6-9. Sanfilippo also was 2-2 to go 5-7 in the two games.
Mike Settle had three RBI’s and designated hitter Nick Cadena was 2-4 with 3 RBI’s as the Mallards pounded out 11 hits and 28 in the doubleheader.
The great night was definitely one of the high points of the Mallards season, as they compiled their best stretch at four wins in a row. The Mallards finished their second year in existence at 24-40 but was near the top in attendance per game and led the entire league in overall attendance.