With a summer storm lighting up the surrounding sky, the thunder on this night would be provided by the Eau Claire Express offense, steamrolling the Mallards en-route to a 7-2 victory Sunday night at Carson Park.
Express catcher Dominic Piazza’s second inning solo home run and right fielder Kole Calhoun’s two RBI’s stole the game’s early lead, and the team would never look back.
Express starting pitcher Tim Huber (6-1) tossed another workmanlike performance, throwing eight innings and only allowing two runs on three hits. He had a no-hitter going into the fifth inning until Mallards utilityman Jordan Comadena deposited a fastball over the left-field wall for a solo home run.
Comadena (pictured below), the most active Mallard on this night, added a double in the seventh inning before advancing to third and scoring on a sacrifice fly by All-Star catcher Eric Nielsen. The team would only muster a total of three hits; second baseman Brandon Wikoff provided the third on a fifth inning single up the middle.
Mallards starting pitcher Eryk McConnell picked up his first loss (2-1) after allowing seven runs (three earned) on 10 hits in six and two-thirds innings of work. Tom Stilson relieved McConnell in the seventh and retired all four Express batters he faced in the game.
The loss drops the Mallards second-half record to 1-2 and improves the Express to 2-1. The same two teams will battle again Monday at 7:05 p.m. when the Mallards send right hander Scott Heitshusen (3-2) to the hill and the Express counter with rightie Mike LaLuna (1-2).
All Mallards live game action can be heard on Madison’s Sports Radio 100.5 FM.
When the Mallards return home this Friday, July 13, we have the promotions lined up for you!
Vertically Challenged? On Friday it’s Short People Appreciation Night! Emmanuel Lewis, best known for his leading role in the 1980’s television sitcom Webster and his short stature (he’s 4’3″), will be making an appearance at the “Duck Pond” In conjunction with his visit, the Mallards will be offering ticket pricing based on height. The pricing goes as follows:
4’3″ and under tickets are FREE!
4’4″ to 5’6″ — 4 dollars
5’7″ to 6′ — 6 dollars (normal price)
6′ and over — 7 dollars
In addition, all fans in the Great Dane Duck Blind will receive a Mallards t-shirt courtesy of Covance!
Then, on Saturday, July 14, it’s the return of Goodman’s Jeweler’s Diamond Night! The first 1,000 ladies will receive a gemstone and one will be a real diamond! Bring your gemstone back to Goodman’s to find out if you have won the diamond! Stick around after the game for The Gomers playing Neil Diamond cover songs on the Duck Blind and a spectacular firework display.
Tickets are going fast for both games and can be purchased by visiting mallardsbaseball.com or by calling 246.4277. Thanks for your support of Mallards baseball!
