Madison, WI – June 10, 2012. Mallards closer John Hamilton (UNC-Charlotte) was able to come out of the bullpen in the eighth and get out of a bases loaded jam in the ninth to steal a 4-3 Madison Mallards (6-6) win over the Eau Claire Express (5-7). The win earned a split for the Mallards in their two games series with the Express.
The game was scoreless until the third when second baseman Luis Munoz (Coffeyville CC) was able to hit an RBI single, his third of the year, to drive in first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois).
The Mallards were able to get three more runs in the fifth inning off the bat of third baseman Phil Sorenson (UT-Martin). With two out Mallards right fielder Jack Livingston (Northwestern) and catcher Mike Ruevekamp (California) were able to draw walks to bring Sorenson to the plate. Wasting no time Sorenson turned on the first pitch he saw, making the score 4-0.
In the bottom half of the inning the Express answered right back, putting two runs on the board with RBI hits by catcher Nick Bullington (Rice) and left fielder Ryan Shober (UI-Chicago), cutting the Malalrds lead to two.
The Express were able to add on one more in the sixth inning with one out after a throwing error by Munoz when he was trying to turn an inning ending double play that scored designated hitter Alex Real (Arizona) to make the score 4-3.
With the Express threating in the eighth with a runner on third and one out Hamilton was brought in to attempt a five out save. Clinging on to a one run lead, Hamilton was able to strike out Bullington and get second baseman Tyler Zier (San Diego State) to groundout to shortstop Tom Verdi (Connecticut).
The drama didn’t stop there as the Express were able to load the bases in the ninth. With two outs Hamilton was able to get right fielder Nick Addison (UI-Chicago) to strike out swinging and earn his fourth save of the season.
Mallards starting pitcher Anthony Marzi got his first win of the season in his second start, going 5.0 innings and striking out six. Although he gave up six hits Marzi (1-0) was able to pitch through trouble and set up the bullpen to deliver the win.
Express starting pitcher Phillip Walby (San Diego State) was tagged with the loss, giving up four runs in 5.0 innings. After walking none in his last start Walby struggled with his command in the loss, issuing five walks to the Mallards.
Both teams utilized their featured elite closers in the series to get wins. Express closer Paul Voelker (Des Moines CC) and the Mallards Hamilton are tied atop the Northwoods League with each having four saves. Coming out of the series Voelker surrendered his first hit of the season, while both maintained their 0.00 ERA.
After struggling offensively in their last five games manager Greg Labbe undertook a major shakeup in the lineup to help the Mallards generate more runs. Traditional front men Munoz and Reuvekamp hit in the three and five spots for the first time this season respectively. Designated hitter Tyler Marincov (North Florida) and Zimmerman, who had started the year in the heart of the lineup, hit one and two in the lineup for the first time this season also.
The Mallards returns to the “Duck Pond” on Wednesday June 13th to take on the Bombers That night will be The Payroll Company Police Appreciation Night at the Ballpark featuring Erik Estrada from the hit TV show ChiPs.
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.
