By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — June 5, 2013. The Madison Mallards (3-3) hit the road tonight at 7:05 pm to wrap up a two-game series with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (3-3) at Witter Field.
The Mallards bats were hot Tuesday night when they defeated the Rafters 14-6 in a 7-inning, rain-shortened contest at the “Duck Pond.” 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.
Mallards starter Greg Welsh (Penn State) 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.
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.
Tonight the Mallards will send lefty Justin D’Amato (St. John Fisher) to the mound. D’Amato (0-0) will make his second start of the season. He pitched 4.0 innings on May 31st and allowed one earned run and struck out four as the Mallards lost 3-4. D’Amato was the ace at St. John Fisher this spring as he went 7-2 with a 1.46 ERA while being named a First-Team All-American by D3Baseball.com.
Opposing D’Amato tonight for the Rafters is Greg Maisto (Texas A&M). Maisto (0-0) started in the Rafters 5-4 win on May 31st over the Wisconsin Woodchucks. He went five innings and gave up three runs while striking out five.
Speed, Speed, Speed
The Mallards have been tearing it up on the base paths this season. They are second in the NWL in stolen bases with 15 and first in triples with three. Center fielder Anthony Cheky (Michigan State) is third in the NWL with six stolen bases.
Up Next:
The Mallards will stay on the road Thursday for a game against the Wisconsin Woodchucks at 6:35 pm. They return to the “Duck Pond” Friday evening for a 7:05 pm game against the Woodchucks. That night marks Charter Communications Duck Dynasty Night. Fans can meet Mountain Man from the show! The “Duck Pond” will also be hosting the Madison Duck Call Championships and fans are encouraged to bring your duck call! It is also Potosi Brewery 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.
