by Peter Geppert
Madison, WI – July 27, 2012. A solo homer in the fifth inning by Rafters right fielder Brandon Downes (Virginia) gave the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (7-13, 23-31) just enough to edge out a 5-4 win over the Madison Mallards (14-5, 30-24). With the victory the Rafters evened up the three games series at one game each, setting up a rubber match in tomorrow’s series finale.
The Rafters got off to an early lead on Mallards starter Kurt Giller (Oral Robers) in the first inning, scoring four runs with three straight two out RBI hits. With runners on first and second, Downes hit a zipping line drive to right field to drive in shortstop Jordan Dreiling (Kansas). A two RBI double by designated hitter Austin Neary (Western Carolina) followed by an RBI single by catcher Aaron Gretz (Ohio State) pushed the Rafters lead to 4-0.
In the bottom half of the inning the Mallards offense responded with four runs of their own. After loading the bases via a walk and two hit by pitches, first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) picked up a walk to drive home the Mallards first run.
A past ball followed by an RBI groundout by third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia) narrowed the deficit to one run. Designated hitter Vince Bruno (California) completed the comeback inning with an RBI single, hitting a hard grounder up the middle to score Zimmerman.
Downes continued his great night for the Rafters with a solo shot in the fifth inning off of Mallards reliever Trevor Foss (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi), putting the score at 5-4.
Rafters closer Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) locked down the win in the ninth inning, pitching a perfect inning to pick up his 10th save of the season.
Foss (3-6) was tagged with the loss after giving up the homer to Downes in the fifth inning that proved to be the difference.
Rafters starter Ben Heller (Olivet Nazarene) picked up his fourth win of the season, bouncing back nicely from a first inning in which he gave up four runs on one hit and two walks. Through 5.0 innings of work Heller (4-3) struck out four while walking five.
News and Notes:
Bruno played well in his first home game since returning from an injury he suffered on June 15th, going 1-for-4 with an RBI.
Mallards reliever Will Lamarche (Chabot College) had his best outing of the season, throwing 3.0 innings of scoreless relief with four strikeouts.
By going 1-for-4 with a single, left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) ended his impressive streak of consecutive games with a home run, ending the run at four.
Woodchucks Watch:
As the Mallards continue their chase of the Woodchucks for the second half South Division title and a spot in the post-season, the Mallards will continue to keep an eye on the Woodchucks the rest of the season…
Scoreboard Watch: Woodchucks 1, Bullfrogs 0 Final
Up Next:
The Mallards continue their four game home stand tomorrow, July 28th, with the series finale against the Rafters. That night will be Great Dane Summertime St. Patty’s Night with the Kissers, Cost Cutters Mini Bat Night, and Hy-Vee Post-Game Fireworks.
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.
