Madison, WI – June 14. 2012. A five run sixth inning, highlighted by a three run home run by Mallards designated hitter Tyler Marincov (North Florida), delivered a 5-3 Madison Mallards win (7-9) over the Battle Creek Bombers (8-8). The win evened the series with the Bombers, and sets up a rubber match in tomorrow’s series finale.
The game was scoreless until the third inning when Bombers third baseman Jared Hook (Michigan State) was able to drive a ball into the left field corner to score shortstop Dylan Delaney (Michigan) and center fielder Daniel Rocket (Texas-San Antonio), putting the Bombers ahead 2-0.
The Mallards couldn’t capitalize in the fifth inning when they loaded the bases off of a walk and two hits. With one out Bombers starting pitcher Brian Valente (Eastern Michigan) was able to strike out Mallards left fielder Tom Lally (Central Michigan) and right fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) to escape the inning.
That didn’t discourage the Mallards offense, as they were able to come back out and take the lead in the sixth inning off some shaky defense by Bombers third baseman AJ Spanel (Doane) and a home run by Marincov, his third of the season. After getting on base via a walk third baseman Jose Trevino (Oral Roberts) was able to score off a Spanel throwing error. The Mallards were then able to tie the score when the Bombers shortstop Delaney elected to take the out at first rather than contest the play at the plate, tying the score at two.
With two outs and two runners aboard Marincov was able to launch a ball to deep left center field, putting the Mallards up for the first time 5-2.
The Bombers were able to threaten in the seventhinning when Mallards reliever Hobie McClain (New Mexico) loaded the bases off of three walks. With nobody out left-hander Sam Forkert (Marian) was called from the bullpen, striking out right fielder Tom Albert (Doane) and getting Spanel to ground into a 1-6-3 double play to get out of the inning.
In the ninth the Bombers appeared to be set on coming back when first baseman Sikes Orvis (Ole Miss) lead off the inning with a home run off of Mallards closer John Hamilton (UNC-Charlotte), Hamilton’s first earned run allowed this season. Hamilton quickly settled down, striking out the side to record his fifth save of the season.
Mallards starter Brandon Barker (Mercer) was solid in his third of the season, giving up two runs, five
hits, and five walks.
McClain (1-0) earned the win for the Mallards in his first home appearance, pitching a scoreless sixth inning to put himself in line for the win.
Bombers reliever Brian Thene (Miami-Ohio) got the loss for the Bombers in his eighth appearance of the season. In 1.2 innings on the hill Thene (0-2) allowed one hit and one earned run, but the four unearned runs he allowed was the difference in the game.
The win stopped the Mallards three game losing steak, their longest of the season.
As part of tonight’s Verno’s Custom Tattoo Night promotion 40 dedicated Mallards fans got free permanent tattoos in exchange for two free Great Dane Duck Blind Tickets.
The Mallards will play the series finale against the Bombers at the “Duck Pond” on Friday June 15th. That night will be Charter Communications “Miscellaneous Tyler” Vender of the Year Bobblehead Giveaway at the ballpark. Ho-Chunk will also be giving away a deck of cards to the first 500 fans in the Great Dane Duck Blind.
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.
