By Jonah Braun

May 30, 2009 — A Mallards rally came up short in the ninth inning Saturday night, as the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers defeat the Mallards 3-2 at Stewart C. Mills Field. Brad Allen (Elgin Community College) started for the Mallards and got the loss, while Lunkers starter Brad Mergen (Indian Hills Community College) posted his first win of the season, and Brainerd’s second win overall.

The Mallards got on the board early when Kurtis Muller (Iowa) led off the game with a base hit for the third game in a row. Troy Channing (St. Mary’s) later knocked him in, giving the Mallards a 1-0 lead.

However, the Mallards would struggle at the plate from then on. Mergen settled down and did not allow another run for the rest of his outing. The Lunkers, on the other hand, got nine base this overall, led by Michael Martinez (Florida International), who went 2-for-3 on the night.

With new pitcher Drew Smith on the mound in the top of the ninth, the Mallards made their final push for a comeback. They got runners on second and third base with two outs, but the Mallards were once again unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position.

Today, the Mallards complete their four game road trip with an afternoon game against the Lunkers at 1:05 p.m. Tomorrow, they face Rochester at 7:05 p.m. in the home opener at the “Duck Pond.”

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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. To buy tickets, click here or call 608.246.4277.