by Peter Geppert
Battle Creek, Michigan. July 11, 2012 – The Madison Mallards (5-1, 21-20) used a past ball by Bombers catcher Jeremy Shay (Bowling Green) in the eighth inning to steal a 3-2 road win over the Battle Creek Bombers (1-5, 15-26). The victory gave the Mallards the opener of their two game series against the Bombers.
The Mallards struck in the first inning when Bombers first baseman Sikes Orvis (Ole Miss) allowed a grounder by Mallards first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) to slip under his glove. The error by Orvis let Mallards left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) score from second base and give the Mallards a 1-0 lead.
Orvis rebounded from his error with an RBI single in the bottom half of the inning to score center fielder Daniel Rockett (Texas-San Antonio) and even the game at one.
The teams would trade runs again in the fourth inning when Mallards center fielder John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) scored on a 4-6 fielder’s choice that was put in play by pinch hitter Jack Livingston (Northwestern).
The Bombers responded with a run in the bottom half of the frame when two throwing errors, one by Mallards catcher Taylor Gushue and the other by Welborn, allowed Bomber shortstop Dillon Moyer (UC Irvine) to score from first base.
The game remained dead locked until the eighth inning when the Shay past ball allowed Mallards second baseman Mike Reuvekamp (California) to score from third base and give the Mallards the lead.
Any chance of a Bomber comeback was shut down in the ninth inning when Mallards closer John Hamilton (UNC-Charlotte) came in to get his South Division leading eighth save of the season. Hamilton (1-0) set down the first three hitters he faced, ending the game with a groundout to Reuvekamp.
Mallards starter Bobby Poyner (Florida) had his best outing as a Mallard this season. Through 6.0 innings the lefty struck out nine while giving up two runs on four hits.
Mallards reliever Danny Sullivan (Madison College) picked up his third win of the season after pitching 2.0 innings of hitless relief to setup Hamilton for the save. Through 2.0 innings Sullivan (3-1) struck out four while keeping the Bombers off the scoreboard.
Bombers reliever Ethan Bramschreiber (Northwestern) took the loss after putting the winning run on board in the eighth inning. Through 1.1 innings Bramschreiber (0-2) gave up one run on two hits while striking out three.
News and Notes:
By getting the win tonight Sullivan has now earned the winning decision in three straight relief appearances.
Up Next:
The Mallards wrap up their four game road trip with the finale of their two game series against the Bombers tomorrow night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Friday, July 13th to take on the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (3-3, 19-21). That night will feature the Half Pint Brawlers Midget Wrestler presented by MINI of Madison.
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.
