Mallards Snap Two Game Losing Streak

The Mallards hung on to defeat Duluth 5-3 on Friday night snapping a two game skid and splitting the two game set with the Huskies. The Mallards head back to Madison for a weekend series with LaCrosse just two games below the .500 mark.

Jordan Comadena (pictured below) reached base four times in the ball game, collected two hits and scored twice to help the Mallards get back on the winning track. Comadena scored the fifth and much needed run for the Mallards as the Huskies were able to make it a ball game in the ninth inning.

Earlier in the game the Huskies got on the board first in the second inning as Chase Austin reached base on a walk and scored the first run of the game for Duluth on a Chris Schaeffer double. Duluth would not score again till the top half of the ninth.

Madison took the lead in the fifth as Mitch Saum led off the inning with a single to center. After Adam Pasono reached base and Saum advancing to third, Bobby Stevens reached first on an error from third baseman Kevin Hansen scoring Saum. Evan LeBlanc then singled to right scoring Pasono giving the Mallards a 2-1 lead.

In the Madison sixth, Comadena led off the inning with a walk and advanced to second on a Russell Harben sacrifice bunt. Comadena scored on a Matt Behren single through the right side making it a 3-1 score.

Madison continued to pile on the runs in the seventh as Ryan Tinkoff reached base with a single down the right field line. Tinkoff stole third with one out and then Bobby Stevens came through with a big triple to the left center gap giving the Mallards a 4-1 lead.

Once again in the Madison eighth, Comadena singled to left and stole second base. After Russell Harben struck out swinging, Comadena stole third. With one out Mitch Saum laid down a perfect bunt that eventually scored Comadena giving Madison a crucial 5-1 lead heading to the ninth inning.

Bubba O’Donnell came in the ninth to close things down for the Mallards. O’Donnell was able to get two quick outs. Then with Kevin Hansen on second Ryan Jones singled to right center to scored Hansen and making it a 5-2 ball game. Logan Gelbrich reached base on a walk and then Chase Austin got on with a Bobby Stevens error scoring Chris House after he got on with a walk, Duluth was now trailing just 5-3 at this point. Then with the bases loaded and the go ahead run on first, O’Donnell got Tony Plagman to strike out swinging to end the game.

Starting Mallards pitcher Brian Smith earned his first win of the season going seven innings of work and allowing one earned run on four hits. Duluth starter Andy Marks picked up his second loss of the season evening his record at 2-2. Marks went six innings of work allowing three runs, one was only earned. O’Donnell recorded his seventh save of the ‘07 season as the Mallards improve to 13-15 and Duluth dropping to 17-11.

The Mallards return home this weekend for a two-game series against division rival La Crosse. Saturday is Rhythm & Booms along with Meriter & Physicians Plus Insurance Kick Ball Night.

Mallards Kick Balls will be given to the first 1,000 kids 14 & under. Kids can enjoy a kick ball game on the field after the game! The movie “Angels in the Outfieldï will be featured after the Big Fireworks Show, presented by Life Style Staffing.

Sunday is St. Mary Hospital Madison Blues Turn-Back-the-Clock-Night. Mallards will wear replica 1930 style Madison Blues Uniforms, and the first 500 kids and the first 500 seniors will receive a replica Blues hat.

Live Blues music pre- & post-game with Westside Andy will be featured. Remember, admission is free for everyone over the age of 60 and Pepsi Baseball Gloves for the first 1,000 kids 14 & under!