by Peter Geppert
La Crosse, WI – July 31, 2012. Two different pitchers, Loggers starter Jesse Holiday (Southern) and reliever Jacob Dorris (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi), combined to throw a no-hitter and lock down a 10-0 La Crosse Loggers (14-9, 40-18) win over the Madison Mallards (15-8, 31-27). With the win the Loggers have now won three straight over the Mallards.
Both teams were quiet on offense through 4 ½ innings, until the Loggers exploded for seven runs on four hits in the fifth inning. Loggers left fielder Joe Meggs (Washington) struck the first blow when he was able to round third and score on a throwing error by Mallards first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois). An error by second baseman Luis Munoz (Coffeyville CC) added on to the misery, allowing shortstop Matt Chapman (Cal State Fullerton) to reach home and stretch the lead to 2-0.
The Loggers were just getting started, as a two RBI single by third baseman Brandon Bednar (Florida Gulf Coast) pushed the advantage to 4-0. Another two RBI double by catcher Tyler Servais (Princeton) and an RBI single by Meggs capped the inning’s scoring.
The Loggers put three more runs on the board in the eighth inning with a two RBI triple by right fielder Jimmy Bosco (Arkansas) and an RBI single by Bednar, his third of the game.
Dorris came in in the eighth inning to finish off the no-hitter, pitching a hitless 2.0 innings of relief and getting Munoz to ground into a 3-6-1 double play to end the game.
Mallards starter Daniel Gibson (Florida) took the loss in his fifth start of the season, getting tagged for six runs on five hits and three walks.
Loggers starter Jesse Holiday (Southern) earned his fourth win of the season, pitching 7.0 innings of no-hit baseball with seven strikeouts.
News and Notes:
Not only did the Loggers secure the four game series against the Mallards, but they also won their sixth overall contest in the 10 game season series.
The no-hitter was the first home no-hit bid in Loggers franchise history, and second overall.
Tonight’s attendance was 3,026.
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 9, Bullfrogs 4 Top 8th
Up Next:
After tonight’s game the Mallards continue their five game road trip tomorrow night with the series finale against the Loggers. First pitch of that game is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Sunday, August 5th to start a five game series with the Lakeshore Chinooks (11-10, 28-28). That night will be Marshfield Clinic Susan G. Komen for the Cure Night and Princess Millie Bobblehead 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.
