In an emotionally charged contest, the Madison Mallards knocked off the visiting St. Cloud River Bats at Warner Park, 4-1, Friday night, June 23.
In the Mallards’ half of the fifth inning, tempers boiled over when Jordan Comadena tried to score. Comadena attempted to move from first to third on a passed ball by River Bats catcher Charlie Cutler. Cutler threw to second and appeared to have Comadena in a pickle. Comadena tried to advance to third. The throw from the shortstop went past the third baseman, allowing Comadena to be safe at third. However, he tried to score and was thrown out at the plate. Cutler blocked the plate while Comadena lowered his shoulder in an attempt to knock the ball free. After Cutler tagged Comadena out, he began talking to Comadena. Both teams left their respective benches, although nothing extra happened. The River Bats did have four members of their team ejected in the game, however, including two on this play. The Mallards didn’t score a run in the inning.
The Mallards got on the board first in the game. With one out in the second inning, Spencer Steedley singled. He moved to second on an error by the St. Cloud third baseman. After Kris Rochelle struck out, Mike Rohde hit a run-scoring triple to left center to give the Mallards a 1-0 lead.
The River Bats tied the game in the sixth against Mallards starter Marc Lewis (pictured below). Alex Kubal singled and moved to second on an errant pickoff throw by Lewis. After he was bunted to third, Kubal scored on a groundout to second to make the score 1-1.
The Mallards took the lead, and won the game, with a three-run eighth. Shortstop Gary Arndt drew a leadoff walk. After Randy Molina walked, St. Cloud lifted reliever James Leverton for Michael Bohana. Ryan Bond hit a fly ball to right center that was dropped by the center fielder, Kubal, scoring Arndt and putting runners at second and third. Steedley was intentionally walked to load the bases for catcher Kris Rochelle. Rochelle had been mired in a 1-for-40 slump leading into the at bat. With the infield drawn in, Rochelle singled to left to score Molina and Bond and make the final score 4-1.
Rohde, Comadena and Bobby Hubbard each had two hits for Madison.
Mike Creevy picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief. He improved his record to 3-0. Creevy was the third pitcher used by Madison after starter Lewis and Craig Meier.
The Mallards four game homestand continues with game three Saturday night against the Alexandria Beetles. It’s Zimbrick VW Stoughton Rd. Beetlemania Night. The first 1,000 fans on the Great Dane Duck Blind will receive a free t-shirt. There will also be live Beatles Karaoke with the Gomers pre- and post-game. It’s also Concordia University Pennant Night as the first 1,000 fans will receive a pennant. Don’t forget the Post-game Fireworks Show, presented by Life Style Staffing. For tickets, call the Mallards at 608.246.4277 or visit the website at www.mallardsbaseball.com.
