By Peter Geppert
Mequon, WI – August 8, 2012. After Chinooks right fielder Forrest Chadwick (Southern Maine) hit a game tying grand slam in the ninth inning, center fielder Charlie Markson (Notre Dame) completed the comeback effort with a walk-off sacrifice fly in the 12th inning to send the Lakeshore Chinooks (16-15, 33-33) home 5-4 winners over the Madison Mallards (20-11, 36-30). With the victory the Chinooks evened up the series at two games each and set up a rubber match in tomorrow’s series finale.
The Mallards started the game strong, scoring in the first inning when a slow rolling grounder by first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) allowed right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida) to reach home from second.
In the fifth inning the Mallards doubled their lead when an error by Chinooks first baseman German Reyes (Winston Salem) let Mallards left fielder Jack Livingston (Northwestern) score from second.
The Mallards followed up the next inning when a failed double play attempt by the Chinooks on a ball put in play by Livingston, allowed second baseman Mike Reuvekamp (California) to score from third.
Meanwhile Mallards starter Kurt Giller (Oral Roberts) returned from the gem in his previous start to deliver an even better performance tonight. Through 6.0 innings the right-hander struck out seven while not allowing a run.
The Mallards added an insurance run in the eighth inning when left fielder Mitch Elliot (Xavier) doubled home designated hitter Derek Fisher (Virginia) for a 4-0 lead.
Just when it seemed that the Mallards were going to walk away with their third straight win over the Chinooks, Chadwick hit a towering grand slam to right field off of Mallards reliever Kyle Barbeck (Missouri) in the ninth inning to tie the game and send the action into extras.
Both team’s closers came in to keep the game scoreless until the 12th inning, when Markson’s fly ball to right field was deep enough to score third baseman Rex Morrow (Madison College) from third and let the Chinooks walk-off winners.
Mallards closer John Hamilton (UNC-Charlotte) took his first loss of the season, surrendering one run on three hits and two strikeouts through 3.1 innings of work.
Chinooks closer Tyler Sparger (Indian Hills CC) picked up his third win of the season, pitching 4.0 shutout innings of relief to setup the victory.
News and Notes:
Tonight’s loss was the first time this season that the Mallards had lost a game when leading after eight innings.
Lucky enough for the Chinooks, Markson was able to deliver the win in the 12th inning. Had the inning concluded in a tie, play would have been suspended until tomorrow due to Mequon city ordinances.
Tonight’s attendance was 2,444.
Up Next:
The Mallards cap their five game series with the Chinooks on the road tomorrow night. First pitch of that game is scheduled for 6:35 pm.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Friday, August 10th to take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks (25-4, 44-22). That night will feature Zimbrick Honda LEGO logo kits presented by briXwerX Studios.
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.
