By Peter Geppert
Eau Claire, WI – August 3, 2012. A career, 4-for-4, six RBI night from Express third baseman Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) fueled the Eau Claire Express (12-15, 23-38) to a 9-6 win over the Madison Mallards (17-9, 33-28). With the victory the Express evened up the three game series at one game each, setting up a rubber match in tomorrow’s series finale.
Scheffert got the Express going early, delivering a 2-0 lead in the first inning on his sixth home run of the season.
Mallards first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) responded in the second inning with a home run of his own, a solo shot that cut the Mallards deficit in half.
The Mallards tied the game in the third inning when a groundout by left fielder Mitch Elliot (Xavier) allowed catcher Mike Reuvekamp (California) to score from third.
In the bottom half of the frame the Express retook the lead on an RBI single by Scheffert, his third RBI of the game, that scored first baseman Casey Gillaspie (Wichita State) from third.
After a walk, an error, and a hit loaded the bases for the Express, Mallards starter Matt LaMothe (Georgia State) hit second baseman Tim Zier (San Diego State) and brought shortstop Ty Forney (Texas-Permian Basin) in from third to score.
The Express continued their damage on LaMothe that inning when a fielder’s choice on a ball put in play designated hitter Jimmy Allen (Cal Poly) allowed right fielder Blake Scmit (Des Moines Area CC) to score. Sceffert added the third run of the frame with an RBI single that scored left fielder Ryan Shober (UI-Chicago).
The Mallards got one run closer in the sixth inning with a solo homer by third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia).
Scheffert continued to torment the Mallards in the bottom half of the inning, adding on two more with a double that brought home Allen and Shober. Center fielder Nick Addison (UI-Chicago) added on another run with a sacrifice fly that scored Gillaspie.
The Mallards rallied to score two runs in the seventh inning when a misplayed single off the bat of left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) by Addison allowed Reuvekamp and Mitchell to score, making the score 9-5.
Center fielder John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) added on a run in the ninth inning, when a groundout to the shortstop Forney allowed pinch hitter Jacob Reese (Southern Illinois) to score.
The rally would fall short though when Express reliever Paul Voelker (Des Moines Area CC) got Fisher to strike out swinging to end the game.
LaMothe (5-4) suffered his first loss for the Mallards since July 13th, surrendering six runs on nine hits while striking out three.
Express starter Philip Walby (San Diego State) picked up his fourth win of the season, striking out a season-high eight hitters through 6.0 innings of work.
News and Notes:
The Mallards officially waived reliever Will Lamarche (Chabot College) today. The hard throwing right-hander is set to join SEC powerhouse LSU Tigers in the fall.
With tonight’s loss and another win by the streaking Wisconsin Woodchucks (23-3, 40-21), the second place Mallards are now six games out a playoff spot with nine games to play.
Tonight’s attendance was 2,032.
Up Next:
After tonight’s game the Mallards wrap up their five game road trip tomorrow with the finale of their three game series against the Express. First pitch of that game is scheduled for 6:35 pm.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Sunday, August 5th to start a five game series with the Chinooks. 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.
