Eau Claire, WI – July 8, 2013. The Madison Mallards defeated the Eau Claire Express 12-5 on Monday night. The Mallards pounded out a season high 20 hits in the win. Drew Weeks (North Florida), Bre Kimbell (Louisiana Tech), and John LaPrise (Virginia) led the way with three hits each.
The Mallards scored runs in bunches with four in the second, two in the fourth, and three in both the sixth and ninth. Weeks hit a two-run home run in the sixth and a single with the bases loaded in the ninth and finished with three RBIs. Eight Mallards had multiple hits in the offensive explosion. Tate Matheny (Missouri State) was the only Mallard to not get multiple hits, however he finished 1-4 with two walks, two runs scored, and an RBI.
The Mallards bullpen came up big in relief of starter Shawn Hunter (Oklahoma State). Hunter lasted just 2.1 innings and gave up five runs. Sam Forkert (Marian), Kristian Calibuso (Eastern Michigan), and Hunter May (UNC-Charlotte) then combined to pitch the remaining 6.2 innings and allowed just three hits and no runs. Forkert earned the win and improves to 3-0 on the season and lowered his ERA to 0.63.
Taking the loss for the Express was Brandon Jackson (Oregon State) who came on in relief of starter TJ Schrader (Northern Illinois). Jackson went 4.1 innings and gave up five runs (four earned) on eight hits. He falls to 0-1.
The Mallards will return home Tuesday night as they look to sweep the Express at the “Duck Pond.” First pitch is schedule for 7:05 pm.
Tuesday night is the Dane County Regional Airport Balsa Wood Airplane Giveaway. Fans will have the chance to win $5,000 in a post-game airplane toss. It will also be Social Media Night as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Communication Connection Night.
The Madison Mallards are your Northwoods League South Division First Half Champions! Playoff 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.
