LaCrosse, WI – July 20th, 2008. The Madison Mallards were stifled by Troy Watson (UNLV) and the LaCrosse Loggers, losing 3-1 in the first game of a double header hosted by the Loggers. The game was only seven innings due to Northwoods League rules. The Mallards will be starting their next game approximately 30 minutes after the first ended. The team collected only one hit over during the game and struck out ten times. You can watch them in the second game of the double header by going to the LaCrosse Loggers’ homepage and following the link to their live webcast!

The Mallards were sluggish out of the gate, getting their first base runner in the top of the third inning. Don Lambert (Baylor) led off the inning with a walk, and after a passed ball and a Luke Stewart (UAB) groundout, he was able to score on catcher Eric Nielsen’s (Purdue) sacrifice fly.

Troy Watson was brilliant for the Loggers on Monday evening. He pitched a complete game and recorded ten strikeouts, while allowing only one hit and two walks for the last place Loggers, who have been struggling as of late.

His counterpart, Matt Jansen (Purdue) was solid for the Mallards and took a tough loss. After being administered a pitch count of 65 by Mallards coaches, Jansen was still able to make it through 4 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) while striking out five batters. The only real blemish came via a Derek Helenihi (LSU) home run in the bottom of the first.

The Mallards were spotty in the field as well, committing three errors. One of note came from catcher Eric Nielsen after getting Chris Elder (Sacramento CC) in a run down off of third base. He threw the ball into left field, which allowed Elder to score with ease, putting the Mallards in a larger hole.

The Mallards threatened with two base runners in the sixth, but fell short. They were retired with ease in the seventh, ending the Mallards’ win streak at four.