Wausau, WI- June 25, 2012- Mallards starter Trevor Foss (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) couldn’t hold a 4-1 lead, allowing eight earned runs in 5.0 innings, and cleared the way for a 9-5 Wisconsin Woodchucks (13-13) win over the Madison Mallards (11-16). The win puts the Woodchucks a game up in the series as the two teams head back to Madison to play games two and three.
The Woodchucks got the scoring started in the first inning on a throwing error by second baseman Luis Munoz (Coffeyville CC) on a failed attempt at an inning ending double play, putting the Woodchucks up 1-0.
The Mallards would do most of their damage in the second inning, getting a three run home run from shortstop Michael McGraw (Missouri) and a solo home run by right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida), to take a four run lead. McGraw’s home run was his first of the year, while Marincov’s was a Northwoods League leading sixth of the season.
After responding with two runs in the second and third inning the Woodchucks reclaimed the lead in fifth inning with three runs on four hits, highlighted by a two RBI double by first baseman Brendon Hayden (Virginia Tech).
The Mallards cut into the lead in the sixth inning on a ground ball to Woodchucks third baseman JD Davis (Cal State Fullerton), who elected to take the out and let Mallards left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) score from third base, making the score 6-5.
That would be all for the Mallards as Woodchucks reliever Jackson Lowrey (Meridian College) would come in and pitch 2.1 innings of shutout relief to deliver the Woodchucks a win and earn his first save of the season.
Foss (1-3) had his roughest outing of the season, giving up eight runs on eight hits in 5.0 innings of work to get stuck with the loss.
Woodchucks starter Jack Fischer (Wake Forest) got enough support from his offense to get the win and overcome a four run second inning. Through 6.0 innings the right-hander struck out eight and surrendered six hits.
Mallards pitchers struggled to keep Woodchucks hitters off of the base paths, allowing the Woodchucks leadoff hitter to reach base in six of nine innings.
With the four run second inning, the Mallards ended Fischer’s 13.0 inning scoreless streak that he began in a June 11th start against the Mallards.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Tuesday June 26th to play the second game of their three game series with the Woodchucks. That night will Zombie Night at the ballpark.
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.
