By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — May 31, 2013. The Madison Mallards (1-1) two-out rally in the ninth inning came up just short Friday evening at the “Duck Pond” against the La Crosse Loggers (2-1) and fell by a score of 4-3.
The Mallards entered the frame down 4-2 and saw two quick outs after catcher Mike Fitzgerald (Indiana State) grounded out to third and pinch hitter Ryan Bull (Notre Dame) flew out to center. Center fielder Tony Cheky then chopped what appeared to be a routine ground ball down the first base line before a bad hop allowed the ball to scoot down the outfield line allowing Cheky to reach second for a double.
Shortstop Michael Handel (Minnesota) then drew a five-pitch walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd with two outs and the score 4-2 in the Loggers favor. Mallards manager Donnie Scott then pulled a bold move by executing a double steal on the first pitch that right fielder Tate Matheny (Missouri State) saw. Matheny eventually struck out swinging, but the third strike scooted past Loggers catcher Matt Risdon (Western Illinois) allowing Cheky to score from third.
Mallards cleanup hitter Sam Koenig (UW-Milwaukee) then came to the plate with runners on first and third but hit a sharp ground ball to Loggers third baseman Nick Day (Iowa) to end the game.
Righty Craig Caufield (Memphis) picked up the win for the Loggers—who scored a run in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings—by pitching three innings of two-hit ball. He relieved starter Collin Monsour, who went six innings and allowed one earned run on six hits.
Mallards right-handed pitcher Nick Hibbing (Iowa) took the loss. He pitched the eighth inning and allowed one earned run off of one hit and one walk. Mallards starter Justin D’Amato (St. John Fisher) went four innings and allowed just two hits and struck out four.
The Mallards finally got to Lee in the bottom of the fourth after Eric Cheray (Missouri State) took him deep on an 0-1 count to deep right-center field. The Mallards other run came in the seventh after Anthony Cheky reached on an error by Loggers first baseman Dexter Price (Alabama State) with two outs. Handel then knocked him in with a double to deep right.
The Loggers scored all of their runs during innings in which they led off with either a hit-by-pitch or a walk. Eric Toole (Iowa) led off the game with a walk, Risdon led off the seventh by being hit by a pitch and designated hitter Bobby Juan led off the Loggers ninth with a five-pitch walk from Mallards reliever Kristian Calibuso (Eastern Michigan). Each time they came around to score in the inning.
Cheky and Jackson were the lone Mallards to record multiple-hit games, while Cheray went 1-for-2 with a home run and two walks.
Danny Sullivan (Davenport) also pitched for the Mallards. He entered in the fifth and went three innings while allowing one earned run, striking out four and walking one.
The Mallards conclude their four-game home stand against the Loggers tomorrow at 6:05 pm at the “Duck Pond.” Jamie Nunn (Appalachian State) will be taking the hill for the Mallards while Josh Frye (Long Beach State) will start for the Loggers. Tomorrow night’s game is the Stop-N-Go 50th Anniversary Celebration and Madison Blues Turn Back the Clock Night with Blues Hat Giveaway. There will also be post-game fireworks.
The 2013 season is upon us! Single-game tickets are on-sale now!
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 Baseball League in North America. In 2013, the Northwoods League will celebrate its 20th season.
