By Jonah Braun
Madison, WI — May 27, 2009. In a final tune-up before their season opener Thursday, the Mallards routed the Swedish National Team 14-5 in a shortened six-inning game Wednesday night at the Duck Pond.
After allowing two unearned runs in the top of the first inning on a Troy Channing error, the Mallards never looked back. They scored six runs with two outs in the bottom of the first, and didn’t relinquish the lead for the remainder of the game.
Leadoff hitter Kurtis Muller reached on an error, and second baseman Adam McClain followed with a single in the bottom half of the first frame. After Joe De Pinto and Troy Channing each popped out, the Mallards had a string of eight straight batters who reached base, totaling the six runs.
Mallards junior outfielder Greg Bieker (Fort Hays St.) led the Mallards offensively, going 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. However, while Bieker had a perfect night at the plate, every starter had at least one hit, totaling 12 base knocks for the game.
“Our hitting was impressive,” Bieker said. “We’re swinging up and down the lineup, which is great to see as a team…It was good for us to get out there and get some good swings and enjoy the game.”
As for pitching, no Mallard hurler gave up a hit until Bieker came in to pitch in relief in the top of the sixth inning. Aside from Bieker, four Mallard pitchers totaled five strikeouts in as many innings, with right-hander Dan Burawa (St. John’s) accounting for three of the five strikeouts.
Mallards Manager C.J. Thieleke was pleased with his team’s pitching performance, particularly with Burawa and Jordan Hershiser (USC), who started the game.
“I’m very, very encouraged about what the pitchers did today,” Thieleke said. “Dan Burawa had electric stuff, and after Jordan settled down, he looked great.”
The Mallards’ bid for a no hitter ended when Bieker came in relief the game in the sixth inning. After retiring the first batter, Adam Sorgi, Bieker gave up three straight hits, and a McClain error led to another unearned run.
“I kind of struggled at the end there, but it was a fun little outing to try something new,” Bieker said.
“I guess that’s why hitters hit and pitchers pitch,” Thieleke added.
But Bieker’s performance on the mound wasn’t the only disappointment for the 1,024 Mallards fans in attendance. With the game clearly in the Mallards’ favor, Thieleke decided to take an at bat in the bottom of the fifth — he struck out on three pitches. He batted again in the same inning, only to produce a weak fly ball to center field.
“He was a great hitter in his day…but it’s good to see him having some fun,” Bieker said.
The Mallards open their season tomorrow as they head to Alexandria to take on the Beetles at 6:05 p.m. Last year, the Beetles went 35-32, while the Mallards finished with an even 34-34 record. Don’t forget to listen to all Mallards games live on ESPN Radio 100.5 FM.
—
The Mallards Charter Communications Opening Day presented by Signature Graphics is Monday, June 1 at 7:05 p.m. against the Rochester Honkers! All fans will receive a poster schedule & fans 18 & older will have the chance to win great cash prizes courtesy of the Wisconsin Lottery. To boot, former Milwaukee Brave All-Star Johnny Logan will be in attendance to sign autographs! Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m.
