by Peter Geppert
Madison, WI. July 19, 2012 – The Madison Mallards (10-4, 26-23) used a formula for success that has been working well for them recently, great starting pitching and explosive offense, to get a 10-0 win over the Wisconsin Woodchucks (12-2, 29-20). With the win the Mallards split the two game home and away series.
After being held hitless through the first two innings, the Mallards exploded in the third inning for seven runs to jump out to an early lead. A sacrifice hit by left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) and an RBI single by third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia) scored the first two runs of the inning. First baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) added three more with his seventh home run of the season and designated hitter Jack Livingston (Northwestern) completed the scoring with a two run homer of his own.
The Mallards got their third home run of the night off the bat of catcher Mike Reuvekamp (California), his first of the season, to extend their lead to 9-0.
Mallards starter Matt LaMothe (Georgia State) earned his fourth win of the season, going 7.0 strong innings in which he gave up no runs and struck out six.
Woodchucks starter Brendon Hayden (Virginia Tech) was stuck with the loss for the Woodchucks. Through 3.0 innings the right-hander surrendered seven runs on four hits and three walks.
News and Notes:
After another big night at the plate Livingston continued his stellar week. Through five games this week the lefty now has four home runs and 13 RBIs.
The Mallards continued their hot hitting at home tonight. Over their last five home games they are averaging a little over 10 runs per game.
With the split of the series the Mallards moved back into being within two games of the Woodchucks for the South Division lead and a berth to the playoffs.
In his debut at-bat with the Mallards second baseman Ryan Busch (Georgetown) impressed, taking Woodchucks reliever Brooks Braga (UW-La Crosse) deep to left field to homer and push the Mallards lead to 10-0.
Up Next:
After tonight’s game the Mallards hit the road for a three game weekend series with the Battle Creek Bombers (5-8, 19-29), before taking three days off for the all-star break.
The Mallards return to action at the “Duck Pond” on Friday, July 27th against the Rafters. That night will be Presidential Bobble Election Night at the ballpark.
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.
