By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — June 7, 2013. The Mallards simply dug themselves into too deep of a hole in the first two innings of Friday night’s 8-5 loss to the Wisconsin Woodchucks at the “Duck Pond.” The Mallards scored four in the ninth off of Woodchucks reliever Ryan Zweck (Danville Area CC) but Mallards starter Kevin Duchene’s (Illinois) six runs allowed in the first two innings proved too much to overcome.
Down 8-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth, designated hitter Tate Matheny (Missouri State) hit a three-run home run to pull within four. Shortstop Michael Handel (Minnesota) then knocked in first baseman Sam Koenig (UW-Milwaukee) with a single to pull within three but Geonte Jackson (San Jacinto CC) flew out to short to end the rally.
Mallards starter Kevin Duchene struggled and lasted just 1.2 innings in his Mallards debut. He allowed six runs—four earned—on five hits and one free pass. He struck out three.
He was marred by an intentional walk to the Northwoods League leader in RBIs in Woodchucks first baseman Matt Tellor (SE Missouri) with two outs in the second inning. Duchene then gave up a single and a double that scored two before being replaced by Ben Neumann (Northern Illinois). Woodchucks designated hitter Henry Weiler (Jefferson County CC) then blasted a 1-0 pitch to deep right center but center fielder Luke Meeteer (UW-Milwaukee) made a dazzling diving catch on the warning track to escape the inning.
Mallards reliever Justin Peters (Texas) retired 11 straight batters before hitting Jordan Devencinzi (San Joaquin Delta) with a pitch with two outs in the top of the eighth. He then gave up a single and a double to allow the Woodchucks to extend their lead to 8-1 going into the bottom of the eighth. Peters went four innings and allowed two runs—both earned—on just two hits.
Woodchucks starter Seth Davis (Augustana) only went four innings and allowed just one earned run on four hits. He walked three and struck out five. Dominic D’Souza (San Joaquin Delta) picked up the win by pitching a hitless fifth inning for the Woodchucks.
The Mallards other run came in the third on right fielder Mitch Elliott’s (Xavier) solo home run. Mike Reuvekamp (California) led the Mallards with three hits and scored one run. Matheny finished 2-for-5 with three RBIs and a run scored.
Jake Peter (Creighton) was the lone Woodchuck with multiple hits on the night. He went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs and a run scored.
The Mallards head for the road for a four-game road trip starting with a game at Eau Claire tomorrow at 6:35 pm. Their next home game is against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters on Wednesday, June 12th. First pitch is schedule for 7:05 pm. The Meriter Hand Sanitizer Giveaway will take place that night as well as the BOCA Burger Vegetarian Appreciation Night. The Madison Knitters Guild Stitch and Pitch Night is also scheduled that evening.
After the conclusion of tonight’s game, the Mallards are waiving Peters, pitcher Justin D’Amato (St. John Fisher) and Handel. They will also be activating pitchers Jordan Tabakman (UConn) and Shawn Hunter (Oklahoma State) and moving catcher Mike Fitzgerald (Indiana State) to a full contract.
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.
