By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — July 5, 2013. The Madison Mallards (23-13, 2-1) completed the doubleheader sweep over the Eau Claire Express (13-24, 1-2) by hanging on for a 4-3 win in seven innings in the nightcap.
Hunter May (UNC-Charlotte) recorded his eighth save of the season by pitching the sixth and seventh. He allowed Tim Zier (SDSU) to lead off the seventh with an infield single but Sam Haggerty (New Mexico) bunted the ball too sharply back to May on a sac bunt attempt and May was able to get the force at second base. Tim Wise (Cal Poly) then singled to put runners on first and second with two outs, but May caught Greg Harisis (Santa Clara) looking to end the game.
Zier put the first runs on the scoreboard for either team by hitting a two-run jack to left off of Mallards starter Nick Smith (Western Illinois) in the top of the third. He knocked in Express leadoff hitter Daniel Kihle (Wichita State), who walked one batter earlier.
The Mallards responded in the next half inning thanks to newcomer Brock Stewart (Illinois State). The left fielder singled to lead off the third and was knocked in by designated hitter Joe McCarthy (Virginia) four batters later.
Bre Kimbell (Louisiana Tech) kept things going in the next half inning by hitting a no-out RBI double to left. Stewart then hit a chopper to first that scored catcher Jason Goldstein (Illinois). Express first baseman Chane Lynch (Dallas Baptist) threw home to attempt to catch Goldstein on the play, but his throw scooted past catcher David Diaz-Fernandez (Marshall) and also allowed Kimbell to score.
Smith lasted just three innings in his first start of the season but only allowed two hits. He gave up two runs (both earned) and walked three while striking out five.
Danny Sullivan (Davenport) got the win by pitching the fourth and fifth innings. He allowed one unearned run on one hit and improves to 2-0.
Express starter Peter Hendron (Santa Clara) was tagged with the loss and drops to 0-1. He gave up four runs (four earned) on seven hits in four innings and struck out two.
McCarthy and Kimbell were the two batters in the Mallards lineup with multiple hits. McCarthy went 2-for-3 with an RBI while Kimbell ended up 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.
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 in Madison. 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.
