By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Battle Creek, MI — June 29, 2013. The Madison Mallards (18-11) had their five-game winning streak come to a close Saturday night against the Battle Creek Bombers (13-17) and are now 0.5 games back of the Lakeshore Chinooks for the Northwoods League South Division lead.
The Chinooks beat the Green Bay Bullfrogs 6-5 in 11 innings Saturday night.
The Bombers put the game away in the bottom of the eighth with the score 2-1 in the Bombers favor, when Bombers left fielder Matt Fears (Valdosta State) hit a two-run double off of Mallards reliever Cam Verbeke (Illinois State) to help give the Bombers their first victory over the Mallards of this season.
Mallards starter Reilly Hovis (North Carolina) was lights out in his first appearance of the season, but the Mallards couldn’t muster anything offensively off of Hunter Devall (LSU). Devall allowed one run (unearned) on four hits in five innings of work. He struck out four and walked two.
The Mallards only run came in the top of the fifth, when Geonte Jackson (San Jacinto CC) scored on an error by Bombers shortstop Daniel Cucjen (Alabama).
Hovis carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning but allowed two straight walks to start the inning. He ended up allowing two runs in the inning and went 4.1 innings while allowing two hits. He struck out seven and walked three but fell to 0-1.
Verbeke allowed two runs on three hits in three innings of relief. Jack Livingston (Northwestern) also pitched for the Mallards and faced two batters and struck them both out.
Devall picked up the win and improves to 1-2 by allowing just one unearned run on four hits in five innings.
Kellen Urbon (Cornell) picked up his first save by pitching a one-hit ninth for the Bombers.
Mallards catcher Jason Goldstein (Illinois) and first baseman Jeff Zahn (Indiana State) were the two Mallards with multiple hits. Both finished 2-for-4.
Fears finished 1-for-3 for the Bombers and had two RBIs.
The Mallards will continue their three-game set with the Bombers Sunday for a 5:05 pm game and end the series with a 7:05 pm game Monday night.
They will then round out the first half schedule with two games at La Crosse on July 2nd and July 3rd at Copeland Park.
July 3rd is the West Bend Home Talent Classic featuring Paul Molitor. The Rhythm and Booms Fireworks show will also take place after the game. The American Cancer Society Community Connection Night is also that day.
The Mallards next home games are on Friday, July 5th. The Mallards will host a doubleheader against the Eau Claire Express.
Zimbrick Honda Military Appreciation Night with a Military Maynard Bobblehead Giveaway will take place that night. The Badger Honor Flight Community Connection Night will also take place and there will also be a Schoep’s Ice Cream Scoop Giveaway.
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 is celebrating its 20th season.
