By Peter Geppert
Eau Claire, WI – August 4, 2012. The Madison Mallards (18-9, 34-28) took advantage of four costly errors by the Eau Claire Express (12-16, 23-39) to runaway with an 8-1 win. With the victory the Mallards finished their season long five game road trip with a 3-2 record.
The game was scoreless until the third inning when Mallards left fielder Mitch Elliot (Xavier) hit a towering three run homer off of Express starter Matt Trowbridge (Central Michigan).
The Mallards extended their advantage to seven runs in the sixth inning, exploiting some sloppy defense from the Express that included three errors. Right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida) started the scoring with an RBI single that brought center fielder John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) in from third.
The Mallards scored two more runs that inning when an error by Express second baseman Tim Zier (San Diego State) on a ball put in play by first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) allowed Elliot and Marincov to score. Third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia) capped the inning’s scoring with an RBI double to score Zimmerman.
The Express were able to score one run in the bottom half of the inning when an RBI single by first baseman Casey Gillaspie (Wichita State) scored Zier from second.
In the ninth inning the Mallards capped the night’s scoring when Elliot was able to draw a walk with the bases loaded from Express reliever Derek Quame (Augustana) to bring Mallards designated hitter Jack Livingston (Northwestern) home.
Mallards starter Nick Sutherland (Minnesota State) picked up his first win as Mallard, surrendering one run on five hits through 7.0 innings while striking out six.
Meanwhile Trowbridge (3-3) was tagged with his third loss of the season after surrendering seven runs on three hits and six walks.
News and Notes:
The Mallards finished their 10 game season series with the Express with an impressive 8-2 edge.
Tonight’s attendance was 2,179.
Up Next:
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.
