Madison, WI- June 26, 2012- The Madison Mallards (12-16) used a breakout 3-4 performance by third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia), highlighted by a two run home run in the seventh inning, to score a 7-2 win over the Wisconsin Woodchucks (13-14). The offensive effort was enough to get Mallards starter Brandon Barker (Mercer) his first win of the season, and evened up the three game series with the Woodchucks.
The Woodchucks took advantage of a two Mallards errors to get a run across in the first inning. With runners on first and second base, third baseman JD Davis (Cal State Fullerton) grounded a ball to Howard. Howard threw wide of second baseman Michael McGraw (Missouri) allowing Woodchucks center fielder Brooks Braga to score from second.
The Mallards took the lead in the fourth inning on a two run home run by first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois), his second of the season. Left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) added on to the Mallards lead with an RBI double that scored Howard, making the score 3-1.
The Woodchucks got to Barker (1-3) in the sixth inning for his first earned run of the game, scoring shortstop Mike Bernal (Oklahoma State) on an RBI double by left fielder Eric-Filia Snyder (UCLA) to cut the Mallards lead to 3-2.
In the seventh inning, the Mallards added insurance runs on a sacrifice fly by catcher Mike Reuvekamp
(California) and a two run home run by Howard. The blast was Howard’s first of the season and extended the Mallards lead to 6-2.
Barker picked up his first win of the season, going 6.0 innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out two. He was consistently able to get out of jams, stranding nine Woodchucks base runners.
Woodchucks reliever Jake Peter (Creighton) took the loss for the Woodchucks, after getting tagged for a three run fourth inning that proved to be enough for the Mallards. Through 2.0 innings Peter (0-1) gave up three runs on five hits.
After going 0-3 Mallards right fielder Tyler Marincov’s (North Florida) streak of six consecutive multi-hit games ended.
Woodchucks center fielder Brooks Braga (UW-La Crosse) has been deadly against the Mallards in three games, hitting .600 with two stolen bases.
The Mallards will finish off their three game series with the Woodchucks tomorrow, June 27th at the “Duck Pond”. That night will be Twilight Night at the ballpark. Fans will get the chance to meet Alex Meraz who played “Paul” in the blockbuster film.
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.
