Madison, WI — June 2, 2009. After Harold Riggins’ walk-off home run last night, the Mallards look to follow up their home opener win as they go for the sweep of Rochester tonight at the Duck Pond at 7:05.

With the Mallards up 6-5 in the top of the ninth inning, pitcher Nick Chmielewski (Illinois) was unable to close out the game, allowing Drew Beuerlein (UNLV) to knock in the go-ahead runs with two out in the frame.

But Riggins (NC State) was waiting in the wings, and he delivered in the clutch, blasting a two-run home run to straight away center field, single-handedly winning the game on Opening Day for the Mallards.

Defense and pitching, which had been a strong point of the Mallards up until yesterday, was a huge factor in the Mallards 7-6 win over the Honkers. The Mallards committed a season-high seven errors leading to three unearned runs for Rochester. Also, starting pitcher Jordan Hershiser (USC) was only able to go 1.1 innings, leaving the rest of the game up to four Mallards relief pitchers.

““In our defense, the infield was a bit fast,” manager C.J. Thieleke said. “It’s not really an excuse, but I think our guys played well…Obviously it’s something we need to work on, but overall I think our defense has been good.”

Tonight, the Mallards will attempt a sweep of the Honkers as Purdue pitcher Matt Jansen takes the call. In Jansen’s last outing, he went five innings, giving up four earned runs, five hits and three walks in a loss to Alexandria on opening day.

Rochester will counter with Zach Robertson (Iowa), who is now playing in his third consecutive season for the Honkers. In his lone start this year, he pitched very well, giving up no earned runs and striking out seven in six innings in Rochester’s 5-3 win against Mankato in their season opener.

—

June 2, the Mallards are excited to announce Fireside Theatre High School Musical Night, with scenes in-between innings on the field! Bucky Book Night for the first 1,000 families in attendance. Charter Communications & Chet’s Car Care Magnet Schedules for all fans. Also, special appearance by MLB great Frank Howard! To buy tickets, click here or call 608.246.4277.