The Mallards returned to the Duck Pond Friday night with a bang, exploding for three runs in the first off of Mankato pitcher Matthew Mossey.
Russell Harben was the first to get things going for the Mallards with an infield single to short. After reaching on a fielder’s choice, outfielder Daniel Webb advanced to third on a Dusty Napoleon double to left. Neil Medchill (pictured) who was hitting just over .350 coming into the ball game, doubled to left as well, scoring Webb and Napoleon. Catcher Eric Nielsen reached on a fielder’s choice scoring Justin Bristow who almost came out of the ball game after being hit by a pitch.
The quick start from Madison was all that Ryan Zink needed. After finding out that he was drafted by the New York Yankees organization in the 17th round today, Zink gave the Mallards fans a taste of what’s to come for the future. Zink allowed one hit and struck out eight batters in six innings of work. Dan Sorce earned his first save of the season relieving Zink in the seventh and allowing one earn run the rest of the way.
In the fifth, Medchill would drive in his third RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly to center scoring Daniel Webb. A run batted in the sixth by Harben and heads up base running by Eric Nielson in the eighth following an error from Mankato first baseman Mike Lobacz, would give the Mallards enough insurance to win 6-1 and extend their winning streak to three games.
Mankato’s one offensive bright spot came in the seventh as Jeffrey DeSmidt scored on a Ben Geelan single, breaking the shut out. Mankato drops to 3-6 on the year with the loss as Madison improves to 5-3.
The series continues tomorrow at the Duck Pond at 6:05 pm! There are great promotions still planned for this weekend Mallards fans! Details are listed below.
Saturday, June 9 – Dr. Jay Hazen Dentistry Madison Muskies Turn-Back-The-Clock and Capital City Harley-Davidson Night! The Mallards will wear authentic 1993 Muskies uniforms & the first 1,000 fans will receive free Muskies mesh caps. The first 500 fans in the Duck Blind will also receive a Mallards six-pack cooler courtesy of Capital City Harley-Davidson. Unique area Harley’s will be on display at the Warner Park. Live music with the Hometown Sweethearts. Stay late for a post-game fireworks show courtesy of Life Style Staffing and WJJO.
Sunday, June 10 – Summit Credit Union Play More Catch with Dad Night! The first 1,000 father/child combos will receive a free baseball and the opportunity to play catch in the outfield after the game. The first 500 kids 14 and under will also receive a water bottle courtesy of Prairie Athletic! Join the Mallards and Meriter Hospital in celebrating EMS Night as local EMS staff will be on hand.
Great seats are available for both games and can be purchased and printed at mallardsbaseball.com or by calling 246.4277. We’ll see you at the Duck Pond!
