Madison, WI – June 15, 2008. Facing a late deficit was no problem for the Mallards today as again they came from behind to beat the Waterloo Bucks, this time scoring four in the top of the sixth to come from three back to win 5-4 in game two of a doubleheader. This comes on the heels of a two-out, last at-bat three-run rally to win game one 4-3. Joe De Pinto (USC) scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Phil Gosselin (Virginia) and Drew Martin (NC State), who scored the go-ahead run in game one, singled in Russell Harben (South Alabama) to give the Mallards a 5-4 lead that they would not relinquish.
Gabriel Shaw (Louisville) started on the mound for the Mallards and worked four innings, giving up the four Bucks runs before handing the ball over to Brandon Johnson (Western Carolina) to try to keep the Mallards close in the fifth. Johnson did all that was expected and more, pitching the final three innings without allowing a hit and striking out five. It was enough to keep the Mallards in the game until their breakout sixth inning. Johnson then worked through the top of the Bucks order in the bottom of the seventh, allowing just one base runner who reached on an error. He struck out two in the frame, and improved to 2-1 on the year with the win.
Down to their final six outs and down three runs, the heart of the Mallards order came up in the sixth. Josh Groves (UW-Milwaukee) singled for his third hit of the night and scored on a two-run home run to left by Rob Lyerly (Charlotte). Luke Stewart (UAB) grounded out to the pitcher, and then De Pinto and Harben laced back-to-back singles to bring up Gosselin and continue the rally.
Derek Ott took the loss for the Bucks, who fell to 3-11 on the year. The Mallards improve to 11-5, ahead of the series finale tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. against the Bucks. To mark the last time the Mallards will be the “road” team at Warner Park, it will be Backwards Night at the ballpark. Come witness a ceremonial first pitch that takes place after the game, as well as other quirky unprecedented happenings.
Great seats are still available for all remaining games this season. Purchase tickets online at mallardsbaseball.com or by calling the ticket office at 608.246.4277.
