By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations.
Madison, WI—June 1, 2013. The Madison Mallards (1-1) hope to bounce back from last night’s nail-biting 4-3 loss tonight at 6:05 pm against the La Crosse Loggers (2-1) to close out their four-game home stand.
The Mallards saw a two-out rally fall just short in the ninth inning last night at Warner Park and ultimately fell 4-3. Mallards center fielder Tony Cheky doubled down the right field line with two outs and nobody on in the ninth to begin the rally. Shortstop Michael Handel then walked and the Mallards pulled a double steal while right fielder Tate Matheny was up. Matheny struck out swinging but the ball got past Loggers catcher Matt Risdon (Western Illinois) allowing Cheky to score.
That brought designated hitter Sam Koenig up to the plate with runners on 1st and 3rd with two outs and the score 4-3 in the Loggers favor, but Koenig ripped a sharp ground ball right at Loggers third baseman Nick Day (Iowa) on an 0-2 count to end the game.
Nick Hibbing (Iowa) took the loss for the Mallards. He pitched the eighth inning and allowed one earned run. Loggers reliever Craig Caufield notched the win after pitching three innings of two-hit ball. Mallards starter Justin D’Amato (St. John Fisher) took the loss and went four innings while allowing only two hits. Loggers starter Collin Lee (Memphis) went six inning and allowed one earned run on six hits.
Jamie Nunn (Appalachian State) will be starting on the mound tonight for the Mallards. The 6’2,” 210-pound sophomore from Winston-Salem, North Carolina will be making his first appearance at the “Duck Pond.” He was named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American team during his freshman season with the Mountaineers last season and was equally impressive this past spring. He went 9-5 with a 3.96 ERA in 15 appearances in 2013 and led the team in innings pitched (97.2).
Nunn will be battling the Loggers’ 6’7,” 205-pound starter Josh Frye (Long Beach State), who was nearly flawless in his 17 appearances out of the bullpen for the Dirtbags in 2013. He went 1-2 but had an ERA of just 1.96 over 18.1 innings of work.
The Bats Come Alive
After recording just two hits in their opening night win against the Eau Claire Express, the Mallards responded with an eight-hit effort Friday night. Cheky and second baseman Eric Cheray (Missouri State) provided the only hits for the Mallards on Wednesday, but two players (Cheky and third baseman Geonte Jackson) had multiple hits last night.
Cheky the Cheetah
Mallards fans received a heavy dose of the leadoff hitter’s speed last night, as the 5’11,” 175-pound center fielder stole three bases, including two during one at-bat. Cheky tied for the Big Ten lead in stolen bases with 23 in just 25 attempts during the 2013 season.
Up Next:
The Mallards will hit the road for the first time this season Sunday when they play the Green Bay Bullfrogs (1-1) at Joannes Park. It marks the first game of a two-day road trip before they return to the “Duck Pond” on Tuesday for a 7:05 pm game against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. That night will be Maynard’s Birthday Party! Fans are encouraged to bring a toy for Maynard to donate to charity. It is also Spectrum Brands Night.
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.
