by Peter Geppert
Wisconsin Rapids, WI. July 15, 2012 – In a less then ideal game in which the Madison Mallards (7-3, 23-22) saw their starting pitcher and two of their starting outfielders take early exits from the game, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (5-6, 21-23) stole an 8-7 win over the Mallards. With the win the Rafters took the rubber match of the three game series.
The Mallards dug themselves an early hole in the first inning, giving up four runs on three hits. In the only inning that Mallards starter Trevor Foss (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) threw, the right-hander was tagged for RBI hits from shortstop Pat Kelly (Nebraska) and left fielder Austin Neary (Western Carolina).
The Rafters continued to add on in the second inning, getting three more runs off the bat of designated hitter Sean Godfrey (Ball State), Kelly, and Neary.
Just when it seemed like the Rafters would run away with the win, Mallards designated hitter Jack Livingston (Northwestern) got the Mallards on the board in the fourth inning with a grand slam home run. With the blast, his second of the season, the Mallards closed the Rafters lead to 7-4.
The Rafters extended their lead back to four in the fifth inning with Godfrey’s second RBI single of the game, scoring first baseman Josh Cyr (North Alabama) from third.
The Mallards continued to battle back in the sixth inning, ripping three straight RBI hits off of Rafters reliever Ronnie Muck (Illinois). Hits from left fielder Matt LaMothe (Georgia State), catcher Mike Reuvekamp (California), and Livington got the Mallards within a run of tying the game.
That would be the closest the Mallards would get though, as Rafters closer Seth Fuller (Western Illinois) came into throw a perfect ninth inning and earn his seventh save of the season.
Foss (2-5) took the loss after only lasting 1.0 inning on the mound, giving up four runs on three hits and walking two.
Rafters starter Kyle Wormington (Valparaiso) picked up the win in his seventh start of the season. Wormington (2-3) went 5.1 innings, surrendering five runs on three hits while striking out six.
News and Notes:
The grand slam by Livingston in the fourth inning was the first such home run for the Mallards this season.
After starting outfielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) and John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) were pulled early in the game, three different Mallards made their debut in the outfield. Pitchers Kyle Barbeck (Missouri) and Lamothe, along with traditional catcher Taylor Gushue (Florida) all spent time in the outfield.
Up Next:
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Monday, July 16th to matchup with the Green Bay Bullfrogs (3-5, 25-18). That night will be Madison Parks and Water Park Night at the ballpark, also featuring Millie LEGO kits presented by Zimbrick Honda.
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.
