The Madison Mallards swept the St. Cloud River Bats in a double-header at the Duck Pond in Madison. The Northwoods League South Division leaders, the Rochester Honkers, also won a pair of games on Thursday. Therefore, the Mallards remain in second place with a record of 15-9. The River Bats started the day with the best record in the league, but now stand at 15-8 after the two losses.
In the first game of the twin bill, left-hander Devin Thomas got the win in his first start as a Mallard. Thomas pitched five scoreless innings. Left-fielder James Boone led the offensive charge in the 6-3 win going two for four with a run and an RBI. Madison exploded for four runs in the first inning and never let up. Kyle Yates pitched an inning for his second save of the season.
In the nightcap, started Jake Hansen improved to 3-0 allowing just one run in five innings of work. Hansen struck out seven and only allowed four hits. D.J. Roshone made his league leading 13th appearance pitching two scoreless innings to pick up his third save of the season. Offensively, Doug Beck was two for three with a run scored to help the Mallards to the 5-1 victory. During the second game of the double-header both teams were dressed in throw back uniforms to celebrate ?Turn Back the Clock Night? at the Duck Pond.
The Mallards improve to 4-0 against St. Cloud this season. Madison welcomes the expansion Thunder Bay Border Cats to town for the first time ever. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Friday, June 27th.