By Peter Geppert
Eau Claire, WI – August 2, 2012. The Madison Mallards (17-8, 33-27) scored in four of the first five innings to lock down an 8-4 win over the Eau Claire Express (11-15, 22-38). With the victory the Mallards took the opener of the three game road series.
Mallards center fielder John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) picked up from his stellar game at the plate last night, scoring in the first inning on a groundout by left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia).
The Express responded in the bottom half of the frame with a run of their own, scoring shortstop Ty Forney (Texas-Permian Basin) on a sacrifice fly to center by designated hitter Josh Scheffert (Nebraska).
In the second inning the Mallards retook the lead on a sacrifice fly by shortstop Greg Rhude (Madison College), allowing third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia) to tag up and score from third.
Howard scored his second run of the game in the following inning when second baseman Mike Reuvekamp (California) singled him home to put the Mallards advantage at 3-1.
The Mallards scored their fourth run of the game in the fifth inning, when a throwing error by Express catcher Will Fadness (UW-Milwaukee) allowed Reuvekamp to reach home after stealing third.
Scheffert capitalized on a similar error by Mallards starter Kurt Giller (Oral Roberts) in the sixth inning to score from third and make the score 4-2.
The Mallards put the nail in the Express’ coffin in the eighth inning with a three run blast by Fisher to extend the Mallards advantage to five runs.
A sacrifice fly by Mallards catcher Jacob Reese (Southern Illinois) allowed Reuvekamp to tag up and score from third and make the score 8-2.
The Express rallied in the bottom of the ninth for two runs, scoring two runs on an RBI single by right fielder Jimmy Allen (Cal Poly) and a sacrifice fly to right by left fielder Ryan Shober (UI-Chicago).
The comeback would fall short though when Mallards reliever Danny Sullivan (Madison College) got Fadness to groundout to end the game.
Giller (3-1) earned his third win of the season, throwing one his sharpest outings as a Mallard. Through 6.1 innings the right-hander gave up two runs on five hits while striking out three.
Express starter Devin Moore (Indiana State) picked up his third loss of the season, surrendering four runs on eight hits through 5.2 innings.
News and Notes:
Fisher continued to be a difference maker for the Mallards this season, finishing tonight going 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs.
Tonight’s attendance was 1,871.
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 3, Chinooks 1 Final
Up Next:
After tonight’s game the Mallards continue their five game road trip tomorrow night with the second game of their three game series against the Express. 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 (14-10, 31-28). 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.
