By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Green Bay, WI — July 19, 2013. Madison Mallards (12-6, 33-18) starter Andrew Arenson (Carthage) surprised many Friday night in a 2-1 Mallards win against the Green Bay Bullfrogs (5-11, 21-30).
One appearance after walking five batters in one inning, Arenson threw five shutout innings and allowed just four hits to capture his first win in a Mallards uniform. He also walked only two and fanned six.
He came out on top with a win in a pitcher’s duel against Bullfrogs starter Ben Graff (San Francisco). Graff, who entered with an 0-3 record and a 5.65 ERA, went the distance and allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits while striking out nine.
Ryan Matranga (San Francisco) doubled with one out in the ninth off of Mallards closer Hunter May (UNC-Charlotte) and later scored after a wild pitch and a passed ball, but May then got Bullfrogs leadoff hitter Boomer White (TCU) to pop out to right.
May ties the Mallards single-season record for saves with 12 after the performance.
The Mallards gave Arenson a two-run lead in the top of the third. After Erik Forgione (Washington) reached on an error by the Bullfrogs third baseman, Mallards leadoff hitter John LaPrise (Virginia) smacked a triple to center field to get the Mallards on the board.
Mallards designated hitter Mike Reuvekamp (California) followed up with an RBI single up the middle to round out the scoring for the Mallards.
Mallards relievers Sam Forkert (Marian) and Jack Livingston (Northwestern) survived jams in the sixth and seventh innings.
Forkert allowed the first two batters in the sixth to reach. After a foul out that allowed a runner to tag from second to third, Forkert induced two ground ball outs to get out of the inning.
Livingston came in with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh in relief of Corey Fischer (Madison College) and induced a groundout to Mallards third baseman Brock Stewart (Illinois State) to get out of the inning.
LaPrise, who saw his 13-game hit streak come to a close Thursday night, was the only Mallards hitter with multiple hits. He went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored while Reuvekamp finished 1-for-4.
Matranga and Ryan Drobny (Cal Poly) both had two hits for the Bullfrogs. Matranga finished 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored while Drobny went 2-for-4.
The Mallards will travel to Wausau, Wisconsin to take on the Woodchucks on Saturday and Sunday. First pitch on Saturday is set for 6:35 pm while Sunday’s game is scheduled for 5:05 pm.
The “Duck Pond” is also hosting the Zimbrick Honda Home Talent All-Star game on Friday starting at 7:05 pm.
The Mallards will return home on Thursday, July 25th after the All-Star Break for a 7:05 pm game against the Battle Creek Bombers. The ZOOperstars will be providing in-game entertainment. Christmas in July will feature Waylan St. and the Magic Elves and a Santa Maynard Bobblehead Giveaway.
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.
