by Mike Tews
Battle Creek, MI – July 21, 2012. The Madison Mallards (12-4, 28-23) pitching staff was spectacular and decimated the Battle Creek Bombers (5-11, 19-32), keeping them hitless after the first inning and totaling twelve strikeouts, including eight straight from reliever Danny Sullivan to win 4-2. The victory gives the Mallards the first two games of a three game series as they go for the sweep Saturday.
In the first inning, third baseman Casey Yocum (LSU) hit a lead-off double after right fielder Tyler Marincov (N. Florida) unsuccessfully dove for the ball. With Yocum stealing third and center fielder Daniel Rockett (Texas-San Antonio) on second, right fielder Connor Costello (Arkansas) hit a two run RBI double for the 2-0 lead.
The Mallards rebounded in the second inning. First baseman Taylor Goshue (Florida) hit a single off Bombers pitcher Dan Tyson (Northwestern) and designated hitter Jack Livingston (Northwestern) followed with a double. Catcher Mike Reuvekamp (Cal) put the Mallards on the board as his RBI single made the score, 1-2. Tyson walked center fielder John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) to load the bases, but was cool under pressure as he retired the next two Mallards.
After the top of the second, both teams settled down and the game became a pitching battle. Through the next 4.0 innings, Mallards starting pitcher Sam Forkertt (Marian) was brilliant, surrendering no hits and retiring the Bombers in order in the second and fourth innings. Tyson was strong in his next 3.0 innings, as he retired the side in the third and fifth innings.
In the sixth, reliever Brian Valente (E. Michigan) replaced Tyson and allowed Reuvekamp to reach third. Welborn drove Reuvekamp in with an RBI single to tie the game 2-2. Unlike Valente, Mallards reliever Danny Sullivan (N. Illinois) was outstanding as he struck out the side.
In the seventh inning, Derek Fisher (Virginia), who smacked a three-run blast Thursday, came up huge as he hit a solo homer to put Madison on top, 3-2. Sullivan extended his sensational performance as he struck out the side again in the seventh and recorded three more strikeouts in the eighth, absolutely stunning the Bombers.
In the ninth inning, the Mallards scored another run after Gushue collected an RBI single to score Fisher. Reliever John Hamilton (UNC-Charlotte) got his ninth save of the season, retiring the side to end the game.
Danny Sullivan earned the win after going 3.0 innings with nine strikeouts and one walk. Forkert lasted 5.0 innings and gave up two runs on three hits and two walks.
Bombers reliever Kenton San Miguel (Central Michigan) received the loss, giving up Fisher’s go-ahead homer in the sixth. Tyson also went 5.0 innings and allowed just one run on five hits and five strikeouts.
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.
