Madison, WI – June 3, 2012. Another big night by Logger first baseman Juliene Jones (Sacramento CC) and a four run fifth inning that put the Mallards in a five run deficit gave the La Crosse Loggers (3-2) an 8-3 win over the Madison Mallards (3-2). The win gave the Loggers the win in the rubber match of the three game series.
Both offenses started the game strong, putting up a combined four runs. The Mallards were able to score two runs off of two mistakes by Logger catcher Tyler Servais (Princeton). A passed ball scored center fielder John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) and an error by Servais scored third
baseman Mike Reuvekamp (California).
In the bottom half of the inning the Loggers answered back with two runs of their own. After loading the bases with no outs Logger right fielder Bobby Juan (Minnesota) was able to draw a walk to score second baseman Brenden Farney (California). A misplayed ball in the infield put in play by Servais scored shortstop Brandon Defazio (College of San Mateo), tying the score at two.
The game remained tied until the third inning when a home run by Jones, his second of the series, gave the Loggers a two run lead.
The Mallards were able to cut into the Loggers’ lead in the fifth with an RBI single by first baseman Phil Sorenson (UT-Martin), his first of the season, that scored designated hitter Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) that made the score 4-3.
The Loggers were able to answer right back in the bottom half of the inning, putting up four runs on three hits. RBI singles by Jones and Servais extended the Loggers lead to three. A walk by designated hitter Kody Davis (Utah) to score Jones and a wild pitch by Mallards reliever Will Lamarche (Chabot College) to score Servais made the score 8-3 and put the Loggers up for good.
Mallards starter Cody Forsythe (Southern Illinois) was tagged with the loss in his first appearance of the season. The lefty surrendered seven hits and eight runs in 4.1 innings.
Left-hander Jordan Haseltine (University of San Francisco) earned the win for the Loggers in his first start of the season. In four innings of work he only surrendered one hit and allowed two runs, also recording three strikeouts.
Offensively the Mallards have been quick starters this season, scoring in the first inning in all five of their games.
Left-handed reliever Sam Forkert (Marian) continued his strong start to the season with another scoreless appearance, pitching 1.1 innings of hitless baseball. Through three games and 4.1 innings of relief he has yet to surrender a hit.
Jones was able to take advantage of Mallards hitters throughout the series. Through three games the Vacaville, California native had seven hits, seven RBIs, and two home runs.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” tomorrow to square off against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (2-3). That night will be Charter Communications Swamp People Night at the ballpark, Mallards fans will have the opportunity to meet Bruce Mitchell from the hit TV show.
The 2012 season is upon us! Single-game tickets are on-sale for all Mallards home games!
The Madison Mallards are part of the 16-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America.
