Madison, WI – June 15. 2012. After a combined 29 runs, 26 hits, five home runs, 19 walks, and 10 pitchers the Battle Creek Bombers (9-8) survived a 15-14 slug fest to beat the Madison Mallards (7-10). The win gave the Bombers the rubber match in the three game series, and put the Mallards at 1-2 on their five game home stand.
The Bombers got going quickly in the first inning, roping off two runs on RBI singles by center fielder Daniel Rockett (Texas-San Antonio) and catcher Kyle Figgins (Buffalo). The Bombers were able to tack on a third run on a failed Mallards attempt at a 4-6-3 double play with one out that allowed Rockett to score from third.
In the bottom half of the inning the Mallards were able to respond with a home run to right field by left fielder Vince Bruno (California), his first of the year, to make the score 3-1.
The following inning the Bombers beat up Mallards starter Kyle Barbeck (Missouri) for five hits and four runs. Third baseman Joe Battistelli (Eastern Michigan) lead off the inning with a solo shot to left field. RBI hits by left fielder Colin Willis (Purdue-NC), first baseman Sikes Orvis (Ole Miss), and right Tom Albert (Doane) pushed the Bombers lead to 7-1.
The Mallards were able to cut into the Bombers lead with an RBI single by third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia) that scored catcher Jose Trevino (Oral Roberts), putting the score at 7-2.
The Mallards would get closer on three run rally in the fifth inning punctuated by RBI hits from Howard and second baseman Luis Munoz (Coffeyville CC) to cut the deficit to three runs.
But the Bombers would leave no doubters in the sixth inning when they put up seven runs off of Mallards relievers Jack Livingston (Northwestern) and Hobie McClain (New Mexico).
In the bottom half of the inning Trevino answered back with his first home run of the season, a deep blast to left field that scored first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois).
The Mallards continued their comeback effort in the seventh inning on the back of right fielder 
Tyler Marincovs (North Florida) three run homer, his second in as many games and fourth of the season. The Mallards would add on when center fielder John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) was able to score from second on a wild pitch, making the score 15-11.
In the ninth the Mallards almost made believers of everyone when Trevino hit a three run blast, his second of the evening, cutting the score to 15-14. With first baseman Michael McGraw (Missouri) on first base representing the tying run on first, shortstop Tom Verdi (Connecticut) grounded out to Bombers shortstop Dylan Delaney (Michigan) to end the game.
Barbeck (0-1) took the loss in his first start of the season for the Mallards. In 2.0 innings on the mound he was tagged for seven earned runs and eight hits.
Bombers reliever Kenton San Miguel (Central Michigan) was awarded the win after starter Casey Mulholland (Ole Miss) didn’t pitch the necessary 5.0 innings. San Miguel (1-1) was the only Bomber pitcher not to surrender a run, giving up no hits and striking out two in 1.1 innings of work.
In the second inning Bruno was injured after attempting to bring the ball back in the park on the Battistelli home run. After the play Bruno left the game and would not return.
The Mallards continue their longest home stand of the season against the Lakeshore Chinooks (9-7) on Saturday June 16th at 6:35 pm. That night will be Charter Communications Teddy Bear Toss Night benefitting the Boys and Girls Club. Fans who bring a gently used stuffed animal to the ballpark will have a chance to win $500. Also featured that night will be the TDS Post-Game Fireworks 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 League in North America.
