The Madison Mallards pounded out 11 hits Tuesday night, but it was two errant pitches in the game that helped the Ducks knock off the South Division-leading Honkers 2-1 in 12 innings at Rochester.
In the seventh inning of a scoreless game, Madison’s leadoff hitter, Danny Dressman, drew a two-out walk against Rochester starter Ryan Bird. On the next pitch to Jordan Wolf (pictured top left), Bird stumbled and threw the ball past catcher Shea Harris, allowing Dressman to move to second. Wolf followed with a RBI single to right to give Madison a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Honkers tied the score. With runners at the corners and one out, Eric Hoffman chopped a ball to first baseman Randy Molina. In an attempt to start a 3-6-3 double play, Molina’s throw to second went into left field, allowing Jeff Engel to score the tying run from third.
The game remained tied at one until the 12th. Bobby Hubbard led off with a single against the third Honkers pitcher, Randy Wild. Molina followed with a line drive that bounced off leaping shortstop Jaime Pedroza’s glove and into left-center field. Hubbard, running on the pitch, advanced to third. Rochester brought in the Northwoods League’s saves leader, Jake Toohey, to try to get out of the jam. Toohey got pinch hitter Brian Smith to pop out to first on a bunt attempt, then struck out Mike Rohde. He walked the next batter, Ryan Bond, to load the bases for Gary Arndt. Toohey threw a pitch over everyone’s head to the backstop, allowing Hubbard to score and give the Mallards a 2-1 lead.
In the bottom of the 12th, Stephen Dodson (pictured below right) allowed a leadoff single to Jeff Engel but retired the next three to end the game and give the team its second win against Rochester in six tries.
Dodson earned his first win of the season. In 5.2 innings he allowed just one hit and struck out six.
Starter Tom Stilson (pictured bottom left) made his second strong start of the year. He threw 6.1 innings, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out a pair. He was charged with one earned run.
The Mallards are 10-6, three games behind Rochester in the second half.
The Ducks travel to Wausau Wednesday for the first of two against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Eryk McConnell will start for Madison. You’ll be able to listen to the game on Madison’s Fox Sports Radio 100.5 FM.
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.
