by Peter Geppert
Madison, WI. July 17, 2012 – In an effort that saw the Mallards starter Bobby Poyner (Florida) dominate on the mound and designated hitter Jack Livingston (Northwestern) have a stellar day at the plate, the Madison Mallards (9-3, 25-22) won a convincing 16-4 blowout against the Green Bay Bullfrogs (4-8, 26-21). With the win the Mallards swept the two game home series.
The Mallards got on Bullfrogs starter Bradley Wallace (Arkansas State) early, scoring in the second inning with a two run homer by Livingston. The homer, his third of the season, put the Mallards ahead 2-0.
In the following inning the Mallards continued to add on with RBI hits from left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) and third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia). Fisher’s hit, a triple, scored center fielder John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) while Howard followed with a single to score Fisher.
It only got worse for the Bullfrogs in that inning, as Wallace (2-2) got tagged for three more runs with back-to-back RBI doubles by right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida) and Livingston.
Livingston continued his great night at the plate in the fifth inning, picking up his fourth RBI of the night with a solo shot to right field off of Bullfrogs reliever Robb Woodcock (California).
The Mallards ended any comeback thoughts the Bullfrogs might have had with a three run sixth inning to push their lead to 11 runs. Livingston added his fifth RBI of the night when he drew a walk with the bases loaded to bring home second baseman Luis Munoz (Coffeyville CC). RBI singles by catcher Mike Reuvekamp (California) and shortstop Tom Verdi (Connecticut) ended the scoring that inning.
Poyner (2-0) earned his second win of the season for the Mallards. The lefty held the Bullfrogs to one hit and no runs in 7.0 innings of work while striking out five.
Wallace was tagged with his second loss of the season after the five run explosion by the Mallards in the third inning sent him to the showers early. Through 2.1 innings the right-hander surrendered seven runs on eight hits and one walk.
News and Notes:
On the night Livingston finished the game going 3-for-4 with six RBIs, two home runs, and two walks.
Livingston has been as explosive as any player on the Mallards this season, 11 of his 19 RBIs have come in just two games. His great day also marked the second time this week that the lefty has driven in at least five runs, with the last time coming on Sunday in an 8-7 loss to the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (5-7, 21-25).
After coming into tonight’s game as the Northwoods League leader with a 1.98 ERA, Wallace was thoroughly trounced by the Mallards. In his prior six starts he had not surrendered more then two runs until giving up the seven runs tonight.
The 16 runs surrendered by the Bullfrogs pitching staff were the most allowed this season. It was only the second time this summer that the Bullfrogs had allowed more than 10 runs in a game.
With the win the Mallards split the season series with the Bullfrogs, with each team winning five games.
Up Next:
The Mallards hit the road tomorrow night to begin a two game home and away series with the Wisconsin Woodchucks (10-1, 27-19). First pitch of that game is scheduled for 6:35 pm.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” to finish their series with the Woodchucks on Thursday, July 19th. That night will be the much anticipated Bacon Appreciation Night as well as St. Mary’s GoldenCare Grandparent Appreciation Night.
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.
