by Peter Geppert
Madison, WI – July 29, 2012. Four runs in the first inning, all coming off the long ball, propelled the La Crosse Loggers (12-9, 38-18) to a 4-2 win over the Madison Mallards (15-6, 31-25). With the victory the Loggers took the opener of the four game series.
The Loggers got off to a booming start in the first inning off of Mallards starter Sam Forkert (Marian), homering in three of their first four at-bats to get off to a 4-0 lead. Left fielder Joe Meggs (Washington) and first baseman Tyler Kuresa (UC-Santa Barbra) led the inning off with back-to-back homers, and center fielder Richard Prigatano (Long Beach State) followed two batters later with a two run shot of his own.
In the following inning the Loggers looked primed to add on to their lead when they loaded the bases with no outs on two hits and a walk. The opportunity would be wasted when Mallards reliever Danny Sullivan (Madison College) came out of the bullpen and got designated hitter Jimmy Bosco (Arkansas) to fly out to end the inning.
The Mallards offense woke up in the fourth inning to scratch two runs across the plate and cut their deficit in half. Designated hitter Nicholas Howard (Virginia) put the first run on the board, when his sacrifice fly to center allowed right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida) to tag up and score. After advancing to third on the Howard’s sacrifice, first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) tacked on the second run when he reached home on a wild pitch by Loggers starter TJ Kendzora (San Diego State).
Both bullpens cruised for the rest of the game, with Loggers closer Jonathon Van Eaton (Memphis) coming in in the ninth inning to pitch a perfect inning and earn his 14th save of the season.
Kendzora (3-1) had his best outing of the season to pick up his third win. Through 5.0 innings the right-hander held the Mallards to two runs on two hits and three walks.
Forkert (1-3) took the loss in his fourth start of the season after giving up four runs on six hits through 1.0 inning.
News and Notes:
The loss spoiled an otherwise stellar performance out of the bullpen by Mallards reliever Danny Sullivan (Madison College). In 6.0 innings of hitless relief, the right-hander gave up no runs while striking out six.
Mallards catcher Mike Reuvekamp (California) has continued to provide a spark for the offense. After reaching base tonight with a walk and a hit by pitch, Reuvekamp has now reached base in eight straight games.
Tonight’s attendance was 6,564.
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 4, Bombers 3 Final
Up Next:
The Mallards wrap up their four game home stand with the second game of their four game series against the Loggers. That night will be Valpak State Fair Night and Charter Communication Team Poster 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.
