Madison, WI – June 6, 2012. A two run blast by Mallards first baseman Phil Sorenson (UT-Martin) and another big performance from starting pitcher Matt LaMothe (Georgia College and State) earned the Madison Mallards (4-4) a hard fought 2-1 win over the Green Bay Bullfrogs (4-4). The win gave the Mallards a victory in the series opener with the Bullfrogs and ended the teams four game losing streak.
The Mallards got to Bullfrogs starting pitcher Ben Graff (San Francisco) in the second inning when Sorenson was able to launch a two run shot to left, scoring shortstop Seth McMullen (Winona State). The home run was Sorenson’s of the year and provided all the offense the Mallards would need.
After the home run, the starting pitching for both sides took over the game. Graff (1-1) settled down and showed off his well rested arm, locating pitches in the strike zone all night long. Touching 83 mph with is fastball, it was Graffs off speed stuff that plagued the Mallards hitters. Through 6.0 innings the lefty surrendered two earned runs and allowed four hits while striking out three.
Meanwhile Graff’s counterpart LaMothe (2-0) was equally impressive, baffling Bullfrogs hitters all night. During the third and fourth inning LaMothe struck out five cosecutive batters, all of which went down swinging.
The Bullfrogs were able to cut into the Mallards lead in the sixth off of a two out RBI single by Bullfrogs third baseman Alex Abrams (Furman) to score teamate Justin Seager (UNC-Charlotte), making the score 2-1.
From there the Mallards bullpen was able to deliver the win for the Mallards and end the team’s four game skid. Setup man Danny Sullivan (Madison College) pitched two scoreless innings of relief, striking out four and walking one.
In the ninth closer John Hamilton (UNC-Charlotte) was able to come in and end the game in a one-two-three inning, retiring Green Bay pinch hitter Jason McMurray (Notre Dame) with a swinging strike three. His appearance gave him his second save of the season.
LaMothe earned the win for the Mallards in his second start of the season. In 6.0 innings he struck out eight while giving up six hits and only one run.
Graff was stuck with the loss after 6.0 innings of work, the two runs he gave up on the homer by Sorenson was enough for the Mallards.
The Mallards pitching staff registered 14 strikeouts against the Bullfrogs, bringing their season total up to 90 which is tops in the Northwoods League.
With a home run by Sorenson the Mallards lineup will look to continue their power resurgence against the Bullfrogs. The homer was the first by a Mallards hitter since a solo home run by right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida) in the May 30th opener against the Battle Creek Bombers (4-4).
The Mallards returns to the “Duck Pond” on Thursday June 7th to play games two and three of their series against Green Bay. That night will be Iceberg Awareness Night Presented by Spectrum Brands at the “Duck Pond”.
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.
