Madison, WI – June 13. 2012. A four run two out rally in the fourth off of Mallards starting pitcher Trevor Foss (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) gave the Battle Creek Bombers (8-7) their first lead of the game and from there they never looked back, beating the Madison Mallards (6-9) 6-4. The win gave the Bombers a win in the series opener and handed the Mallards their third straight loss.
The Mallards struck in the first off the bat of left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia). In his first at bat with
the Mallards he was able to drive a fastball by Bombers starter Caleb Vincent (Grand Valley State) back up the middle to score right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida).
In the second inning the Mallards were able to extend the lead with an RBI single by shortstop Tom Verdi (Connecticut) that scored catcher Bobby Burns (Parkland), putting the Mallards up 2-0.
The Bombers were able to get on the board in third inning when a single by second baseman AJ Spaniel (Doane) to left field was able to score right fielder Tom Albert (Doane). Albert was able to reach base on an error by Fisher and then avoid a play at the plate when Fisher’s throw home went over the head of Burns, cutting the Mallards lead to 2-1.
The Bombers exploded offensively in the fourth inning, tagging Foss with a four run two out rally. The Bombers were able to rip five straight hits, highlighted by a home run to right field by designated hitter Chris McCoy (Kellogg CC).
In the bottom half of the fourth the Mallards responded with an RBI single by Verdi to score designated hitter Nicholas Howard (Virginia). The RBI was his second of the night and made the score 5-3.
Foss (1-1) got the loss for the Mallards in his third start of the season. Through 6.1 innings the righty gave up 6 runs and 10 hits. His 10 strikeouts put him back in the Northwoods League lead, recording 29 on the season.
Vincent (1-0) picked up his first win of the season for the Bombers. In 5.0 innings on the hill he limited the Mallards to eight hits and three earned runs.
The Mallards will play the second game of the series against the Bombers at the “Duck Pond” on Thursday June 14th. That night will be Verno’s Custom Tattoo Night at the ballpark. Fans can get free full-color Mallards tattoos pre-game and get two free Great Dane Duck Blind tickets for doing so. The first 500 kids who walk through the gates will be given temporary tattoos.
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 League in North America.
