By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — July 5, 2013. Jeff Zahn (Indiana State) came up clutch for the Madison Mallards (22-13, 1-1) in the first game of a doubleheader Friday night against the Eau Claire Express by knocking Ryan McShane (Madison College) on a fielder’s choice with nobody out in the 11th.
McShane led off the bottom of the 11th with a single and reached second on an error from Express reliever Carlos Chavez (New Mexico JUCO). Geonte Jackson (San Jacinto CC) then hit a chopper back to the mound, but Chavez tried getting McShane at second but had his throw sail into center field to put runners on second and third.
The Mallards could’ve ended it earlier by taking a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the eighth with a two-out RBI single from Drew Weeks (North Florida), but Express second baseman Mike Porcaro (UW-Milwaukee) responded in the ninth with an RBI double.
Sam Forkert (Marian) picked up the win and improves to 1-0 by pitching the ninth, tenth and 11th. Chavez was tagged with the loss and drops to 0-1.
The Express loaded the bases in the top of the 11th on a pair of walks and a base hit, but Forkert struck out Chane Lynch (Dallas Baptist) to get out of the jam.
Jeff Zahn (Indiana State) saved a 4-4 tie in the top of sixth by making a diving stop with runners on second and third with Kristian Calibuso (Eastern Michigan) on the mound.
The Express came roaring out to a strong start by scoring four runs in the top of the second. Right fielder Greg Harisis (Santa Clara) highlighted the inning with a two-RBI double.
The Mallards responded by scoring one in the next half inning and three more in the bottom of the third. Tate Matheny (Missouri State) knocked in two with a single in the third and also stole two bases in the frame.
The Mallards start a two-game set against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters Saturday at the “Duck Pond.” First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm. They will close out the series on Sunday. First pitch for that game is slated for 5:05 pm.
Saturday is the Capitol View Events Pre-Game 1985k. It is also the Great Dane Superhero Night with a Super Hero Maynard Bobblehead Giveaway. Kids 12 and under in costume get a free ticket. There is also a Cost Cutters Mini Bat Giveaway. The post-game fireworks will be presented by Hy-Vee and the Salvation Army Community Connection Night will also be held.
The Madison Mallards are your Northwoods League South Division First Half Champions! Playoff tickets will go on sale Monday at noon!
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.
