By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Wisconsin Rapids, WI — June 5, 2013. The Madison Mallards (4-3) came away with their second-consecutive victory Wednesday night against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (3-4) by a score of 4-2 after shortstop Mike Reuvekamp’s (California) two-run single in the top of the eighth.
Catcher Mike Fitzgerald (Indiana State) and designated hitter Luke Meeteer (UW-Milwaukee) led off the eighth with singles. Ryan McShane (Madison College) then tried bunting them over but didn’t bunt it far enough from the plate, allowing Rafters catcher Jeremy Montalbano (Texas) to throw out Fitzgerald at third. Tony Cheky (Michigan State) then reached on a fielder’s choice before Reuvekamp ripped the first pitch of his at-bat over the head of Rafters third baseman Marcus Wheeler (Kansas).
The Mallards overcame a quick, 2-0 deficit two innings into the game after starter Justin D’Amato (St. John Fisher) struggled with his command in his three innings of work. He walked four Rafters batters and hit two more with pitches before being replaced by righty Cam Verbeke (Illinois State).
Verbeke cruised through his four innings of work by allowing only one hit and capped off his appearance by striking out the side in the bottom of the seventh. He notched the win and improved to 1-0 on the year.
Zack Belanger (Long Beach State) got the Rafters on the board right away with an RBI single in the first, while center fielder Taylor Stell (Texas) hit a sacrifice fly in the second, but that would be all the Rafters would manage.
Hunter May (UNC-Charlotte) pitched the final two innings for the Mallards to earn the save. He allowed only one hit.
Tate Matheny’s (Missouri State) and Fitzgerald’s sacrifice flies in the third and fifth innings, respectively, marked the Mallards other two scoring plays in the contest.
Reuvekamp provided the only multi-hit game for the Mallards, while third baseman Eric Cheray (Missouri State) finished 1-for-3 with a pair of runs scored.
Zack Belanger (Long Beach State) led the Rafters at the plate by going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
The Mallards will head to Wausau, Wisconsin tomorrow for a game against the Woodchucks at 6:35 pm before hosting them Friday night at 7:05. Charter Communications Duck Dynasty Night will be held that night and fans will be able to meet Mountain Man from the show. The Madison Duck Call Championships will also take place, so fans are encouraged to bring a duck call! That night will also mark 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.
