While it wasn?t their biggest offensive output of the season, the Madison Mallards had just enough on Thursday night to defeat the Wisconsin Woodchucks by a score of 2-1 before 5,821 fans at the Duck Pond. The win kept the Ducks just a game back of La Crosse, who also won on Thursday, for the final playoff spot in the NWL?s South Division.
The Mallards, who are 20-9 when scoring first in a game, did just that in their half of the third. First baseman Brian Smith led off the inning with a single but the next batter Mitch Saum flew out to left field for the first out of the inning. Smith moved to second on Danny Dressman?s grounder to short and scored on Jordan Wolf?s RBI single, giving the Mallards a 1-0 lead.
The Ducks weren?t quite done, however, posting another run in the fourth when Mike Rohde scored from first on Tommy Lentz?s RBI double. That would be all the offense the Mallards would need as the Woodchucks could muster just a single run for the game.
With two outs in the fifth, Collin Fanning singled and later stole second. He scored on a Zach Danelson single but Corey Ashner then grounded into a fielder?s choice to effectively end any further threat.
Mallards starter Jake Sullivan (pictured below) turned in six solid innings, allowing just one run on five hits. He struck out three and walked one en route to his fourth win of the season. The Ducks used impressive performances from both Craig Meier and Adam Tollefson, who combined to pitch 2.2 innings of scoreless relief. Allan Donato came on to nail down the final out of the game and boost the Mallards record back to .500 on the season at 29-29.
It was PDQ & Quench Trading Card Night #3, presented by WB57, as well as Ashley Furniture HomeStore Giveaway Night. A few lucky fans went home with new recliners courtesy of Ashley Furniture HomeStore.
Tomorrow, August 4, the Mallards travel to Waterloo for the first of a two-game series with the Bucks. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Jordan Sherwood will bring you all of the action on Madison?s Fox Sports Radio 100.5 FM.
Tomorrow will also play host to the Mallards? first-ever Mallards/MLB Alumni Game, to take place at the Duck Pond. Many of your favorite Mallards players from the team?s first five years will return to play alongside Major Leaguers like Harmon Killebrew, Jim Gantner and Vida Blue. There will be opportunities for autographs pre- and post-game. The contest starts at 7:35 p.m.
Order your tickets to this very special event by visiting www.mallardsbaseball.com or calling 246.4277.
