by Peter Geppert
Madison, WI. July 13, 2012 – A breakout four run seventh inning and a strong start by Rafters starter Augey Bill (2-0) was good enough to earn the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (4-5, 20-22) a 10-8 win over the Madison Mallards (6-2, 22-21). With the victory the Rafters took the opener of the two game series and halted the Mallards three game win streak.
After struggling to start the game against Mallards starter Matt LaMothe (Georgia State), who started out striking out the first five hitters he faced, the Rafters struck first in the second inning with a two run homer by third baseman Brandon Hohl (Illinois). The blast, his sixth of the season, put the Rafters up 2-0.
The Rafters added on another run when a throwing error by Mallards shortstop Tom Verdi (Connecticut) allowed second baseman Jordan Dreiling (Kansas) to round third and score from second base.
The Rafters extended their lead in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly by first baseman Joshua Cyr (North Alabama) that allowed designated hitter Austin Neary (Western Carolina) to tag up from third and score.
The Mallards finally got to Rafters starter Augey Bill (Arizona) for two runs in the bottom half of the inning. After designated hitter Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) reached base on a hit by pitch, center fielder John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) scored Zimmerman with his second triple of the season. First baseman Taylor Gushue (Florida) then drove home another run with a sacrifice fly to right field that allowed Welborn to tag up and score, cutting the deficit to 4-2.
The Rafters broke the game open in the seventh inning with four runs off of Mallards reliever Kyle Barbeck (Missouri). After second baseman Pat Kelly (Nebraska) added a run with an RBI single, Neary added on a back breaking three run homer to put the score at 8-2.
The Mallards would make things interesting in the ninth inning, scoring six unanswered runs in the eighth and ninth inning to get within two runs of the Rafters. With the tying run up to plate in Welborn, Rafters closer Seth Fuller (Western Illinois) got Welborn to fly out to end the game and earn his eighth save of the season.
LaMothe (3-3) was tagged with the loss for the Mallards. Through 5.0 innings the right-hander surrendered four runs on eight hits while fanning six hitters.
Bill (2-0) picked up his second win as a Rafter. In 6.0 innings of work he held the Mallards to two runs on five hits and struck out two.
News and Notes:
After coming off a four game road trip in which the bullpen did not allow a run, Mallards relievers were not as reliable in this game. Six of the Rafters 10 runs were given up in the four innings that the Mallards bullpen threw.
Up Next:
The Mallards continue their three game series with the Rafters tomorrow, July 14th. That night will be Jay Hazen Dentistry’s Turn Back the Clock Night and will also feature post-game fireworks presented by Ballweg Chevrolet and WISC-TV 3. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm.
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.
