By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — June 4, 2013. The Madison Mallards (3-3) fought the rain Tuesday night through seven and a half innings at the “Duck Pond” and prevailed in a slugfest by a score of 14-6 against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (3-3).
The Mallards exploded for six runs in the third inning off of Rafters starter Nick Pettus (Seminole State) and sent 12 batters to the plate in the frame. Left fielder Drew Weeks (North Florida) led off the inning with a home run to dead center. It was the only extra base hit of the inning.
The Mallards also scored two in the second, three in the fourth, two in the sixth and another in the seventh. They finished with 15 hits on the night.
The Rafters scored the bulk of their runs in the top of the sixth thanks to right fielder Jackson Slaid’s (Montevello) three-run home run off of Mallards reliever Nick Smith (Western Illinois). Their other two runs came in the third and fifth off of Mallards starter Greg Welsh (Penn State).
Welsh got the win to improve to 2-0 on the year for the Mallards. He went five innings and allowed two runs—one earned—on just four hits. He struck out six and walked four.
Pettus was tagged with the loss after lasting just three innings. He allowed eight runs—all earned—on nine hits and three walks.
Justin Peters (Texas) and Ben Neumann (Northern Illinois) also made appearances in relief for the Mallards. Peters walked one and allowed no hits in 1.1 innings while Neumann struck out two in his inning of work.
Mike Reuvekamp (California), Eric Cheray (Missouri State), Weeks, Ryan McShane (Madison College), and Tony Cheky (Michigan State) all racked up a pair of RBIs for the Mallards. Catcher Mike Fitzgerald (Indiana State) went 1-for-2 with an RBI and three runs scored. Right fielder Tate Matheny (Missouri State) went 2-for-5 with a pair of runs scored.
The Mallards will return to the road tomorrow for another game against the Rafters. Game time in Wisconsin Rapids is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
The Mallards next home game is slated for Friday at 7:05 pm against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. That night is Charter Communications Duck Dynasty Night. Mountain Man from the show will be in attendance! The Madison Duck Call Championships will also be held that evening, so bring your duck call! Potosi Brewery Night is also being held.
Steve Bennett will be inducted into the Mallards Wall of Fame on Friday as well.
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.
