By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — July 9, 2013. The Madison Mallards (5-2, 26-14) jumped to an early lead and never looked back Tuesday night in a 6-2 win over the Eau Claire Express (3-4, 15-26).
Cam Verbeke (Illinois State) was nearly flawless until the sixth inning in his third start of the season. He struck out seven, pitched three 1-2-3 innings and needed only 60 pitches through five innings but walked one and allowed two hits in the sixth.
The Mallards had built a 5-0 lead for Verbeke heading into the sixth. Tate Matheny (Missouri State) notched an RBI single and John LaPrise (Virginia) knocked in a run on a fielder’s choice in the top of the second, while Joe McCarthy (Virginia) knocked in a pair with a single in the top of the fourth. The Mallards also scored an unearned run in the fourth.
Bre Kimbell (Louisiana Tech) rounded out the Mallards scoring by recording an RBI single up the middle in the seventh.
Corey Fischer (Madison College) relieved Verbeke and pitched the seventh but couldn’t get out of the eighth. He walked one batter and hit another with a pitch before allowing an RBI single off the bat of Express cleanup hitter Chane Lynch (Dallas Baptist). Danny Sullivan (Davenport) then came in with the bases loaded and struck out Matt Menard (Baylor) on three pitches and struck out the side in the ninth to record his first save of the season.
Express starter TJ Larson (Minnesota State) was knocked out of the game in the third after struggling with his command and allowing five hits. He walked three and allowed four runs (all earned). Jake Cole (Pima CC) relieved Larson and pitched the rest of the ballgame. He allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits and struck out two.
McCarthy, Brock Stewart (Illinois State), Jason Goldstein (Illinois) and Jeff Zahn (Indiana State) recorded two hits apiece for the Mallards. McCarthy finished 2-for-5 with a pair of RBIs.
Sam Haggerty (New Mexico) and Lynch recorded the two RBIs for the Express. Haggerty finished 1-for-4 while Lynch finished 1-for-3 with a walk.
The Mallards start a two-game series against the Wisconsin Woodchucks tomorrow at 6:35 pm in Wausau. The second game of the series will take place at the “Duck Pond” on Thursday for a 7:05 pm start.
The Great Dane Summertime St. Patty’s Day and the Madison Media Night will take place on Thursday. The Kissers and Madison Music Foundry will also host a CD giveaway and The Kissers will provide entertainment before and during the game. Additional mid-game entertainment will include a performance by Madison Music Foundry’s Rock Band Workshop So Am I. The Jewish Social Services of Madison Community Connection Night will also be held.
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.
