The Madison Mallards continued to struggle offensively Monday night, losing at Rochester to the South Division-leading Honkers, 2-1.
It was the latest in a week of frustrating games for the Madison hitters. Madison has scored just three runs in the last three games while allowing four.
Brian Smith (pictured below) was the most recent tough-luck loser for the Mallards. The right-hander went seven strong for the Mallards and allowed just five hits, a walk and hit two batters. He struck out five in the process. Smith allowed three of the hits in the first inning as the Honkers jumped out to a 2-0 lead. He cruised after that inning, however, but so did Rochester starter Efren Navarro, Jr.
Navarro allowed only two hits in six innings of work as the Mallards could only muster three for the game. Only ten Mallards reached base by a walk, fielders choice, hit or error.
Madison scored it’s run after Randy Molina (top left) was issued a leadoff walk. Jordan Wolf sacrificed him to second. Mike Rohde walked to bring up Tommy Lentz. His single to center field didn’t appear to be ablel to score Molina, but the center fielder misplayed the ball allowing molina to score on the error.
The loss for Smith dropped his record to 2-4.
The same two teams meet at Mayo Field in Rochester Tuesday night. Tom Stilson is expected to start for the Mallards.
Madison returns home Friday, July 28 to take on the Rochester Honkers. Culvers brings you Dukes of Hazzard Night presented by Quench Gum. James Best, the actor who portrayed Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” will be at the game to meet fans. He’ll be joined by his dog, Flash, and the famous car from the show, the “General Lee”.
Fans will also have the chance to meet former Major Leaguer Jim “The Toy Cannon” Wynn. There will be pre- and post-game music from Pupy Costello and His Big City Honky Tonk on the Great Dane Duck Blind.
Great seats are still available. For tickets, visit www.mallardsbaseball.com, call 608.246.4277 or stop by the Duck Pond ticket office.
