The Madison Mallards and Wisconsin Woodchucks battled at the “Duck Pond” Sunday for the first-place position in the Northwoods League South Division. Despite the Mallards early 2-1 and 3-2 leads, the ‘Chucks came out on top, taking advantage of a two-run fifth inning to take a 4-3 win.
After two scoreless innings, Wisconsin crossed a runner in the top of the third to kick off the low-scoring game. Vicente Cafaro recorded an infield single with two outs against the Woodchucks to set up Justin Potes’ RBI double.
Madison later countered the lead in the bottom half of the inning, coming from a basehit from Mitch Saum, and a successful bunt from Brandon Wikoff put two men on with only one out. Jordan Comadena placed one in right field, and the throw was ruled an error, allowing Saum to score. Travis Sweet gave the Mallards their first lead of the game during the next at-bat on a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Wikoff.
The teams traded runs in the following inning, but the Mallards could have had more. While Neil Medchill scored on Adam Pasono’s RBI, Eric Nielsen took third base. During the next at-bat, Nielsen attempted some trickery, trying to steal home, but was caught at the plate for the third out.
With a 3-2 lead, Allen Donato relieved Brian Smith (pictured) and conceded a two-run inning, which was good enough for the 4-3 win. Donato let up three hits and two walks in the inning, but got out of the jam with the bases loaded.
The Woodchucks’ Matt Trausch only allowed three additional Mallards hits the remainder of the game, pitching a complete game for his team.
For highlights of the game, visit here.
Fans, be sure to join us next Wednesday, June 13, as the Mallards take on the Green Bay Bullfrogs. It’s Dancin’ Maynard G. Mallard bobblehead night! Maynard is dancin’ like it’s 1999 and wants to see you at the Duck Pond! Are you over 21 years old? Then get ready to receive a Red Hook and Genna’s Cocktail Lounge pint glass.
Great seats are still available for all four games during next week’s homestand and can be purchased by visiting mallardsbaseball.com or calling 246.4277.
