By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
La Crosse, WI — July 3, 2013. The Madison Mallards (21-12) stole the show Wednesday night against the La Crosse Loggers (21-14) and won 12-2 to capture the 2013 Northwoods League South Division First Half championship.
The victory solidifies a spot for the Mallards in the Northwoods League Divisional Playoffs in mid-August.
The Mallards used a huge fifth inning and a stellar pitching performance from starter Jordan Tabakman (UConn) to pull away with the blowout victory. The Mallards batted around in the fifth and scored five runs to knock Loggers starter Collin Monsour (California) out of the game.
Monsour allowed two runs one inning earlier and another in the second. He lasted 4.2 innings and allowed six runs (three earned) on seven hits while walking three.
Tabakman was effective through his first four innings but couldn’t get out of the fifth. He last 4.2 innings and allowed two runs (both earned) on six hits. He walked one and struck out two.
The Mallards added a run an inning later, one more in the eighth and two in the ninth to round out the team’s scoring, while the Loggers mustered their two runs off of Tabakman in the fifth.
Cam Verbeke (Illinois State) relieved Tabakman in the fifth and pitched the sixth and seventh innings as well. He allowed just one hit and improves to 3-0.
Sam Forkert (Marian) came in and closed things out by striking out three over the last two innings.
Jeff Zahn (Indiana State) continued his hot streak at the plate and finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a pair of runs scored, while Mike Reuvekamp (California) knocked in four runs and went 2-for-4. Catcher Jason Goldstein (Illinois) also drove in a pair and scored two runs while going 2-for-4 and Drew Weeks (North Florida) returned from his injury and went 2-for-5 with two runs scored.
No Loggers player recorded multiple hits on the night. Mike Nadratowski (Grand Valley State) and Nick Day (Iowa) recorded the two RBIs for the Loggers.
The Mallards will kick off the second half of the season tomorrow at Eau Claire. First pitch is slated for 6:05 pm. They return home for a doubleheader against Eau Claire on Friday. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 pm. That night marks the Zimbrick Honda Military Appreciation Night with a Military Maynard Bobblehead giveaway. The Schoep’s Ice Cream Scoop Giveaway will also take place and the Badger Honor Flight Community Connection Night will be held.
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.
