By Mike Tews
Mequon, WI – August 9, 2012. Following a stunning 5-4 defeat in extra innings on Wednesday, the Madison Mallards (21-11, 37-30) redeemed themselves with a stellar performance from the pitching staff to take the rubber match of their five game series against the Lakeshore Chinooks (16-16, 33-34) with a 3-0 shutout victory.
Through four innings, the game was essentially a pitcher’s duel as both starters prevented any runs from scoring. Mallards starter Danny Sullivan (Madison College) struck out seven and issued only two hits, while Chinooks hurler Tim Verthein (UW-La Crosse) allowed the Mallards to reach base six times on three hits and three walks.
In the fifth inning, the Mallards broke through when right fielder Mitch Elliot (Xavier) singled to score left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) for the 1-0 lead.
Verthain’s struggles continued in the sixth inning when designated hitter Jack Livingston (Northwestern) led off with a double, followed by second baseman Luis Munoz (Coffeyville CC) hitting an RBI single to score Livingston and give Madison a 2-0 edge.
With two batters in scoring position in the eighth inning, the Mallards added another run when Livingston crossed the plate for the second time after shortstop Greg Rhude (Madison College) drove him home with an RBI single.
As for the Chinooks, their offense was stifled by the arm of Mallards reliever Sam Forkert (Marian), who allowed only one hit and retired five batters in 2.0 innings.
The Chinooks threatened to repeat last night’s comeback in the ninth inning when designated hitter German Reyes reached third, but third baseman Cody Yount (UNC-Winston Salem) flew out to give Mallards reliever Hobie McClain (New Mexico) his fourth save of the season.
Sullivan earned his fifth win of the summer in a dominant performance, allowing no runs on three hits and racking up nine strikeouts with just one walk through 6.0 innings.
Verthain was tagged for his third loss, going 6.0 innings and giving up two runs on seven hits along with three walks and just two strikeouts.
Up Next:
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Friday, August 10th to take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks (25-6, 44-25). That night will feature Zimbrick Honda LEGO logo kits presented by briXwerX Studios.
