By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — July 27, 2013. Rouric Bridgewater (Arizona State) put the Battle Creek Bombers (7-15, 21-35) up three runs right away in the first with a three-run bomb but the Madison Mallards (15-8, 36-20) quickly regained the lead in the second and never looked back and won by a score of 9-4.
The Mallards recorded six straight hits—with five of them being singles—with two outs in the bottom of the second to gain a 4-3 lead. The inning was capped off by RBI singles from Erik Forgione (Washington) and Luke Meeteer (UW-Milwaukee) while Ryan McShane (Madison College) knocked in two with a double down the right field line.
The Mallards would extend that lead to three runs in the next inning after a monster two-run shot off the bat of first baseman Bre Kimbell (Louisiana Tech) and would tack on three more in the seventh thanks to a two-run single from Geonte Jackson (San Jacinto CC) and an RBI single from Forgione.
Every player in the Mallards lineup finished with at least two hits besides McShane, who went 1-for-2 with two RBIs and two walks. Alex Bacon (North Florida), who was playing in his first game with the Mallards, was the lone Mallards batter with three hits. He also scored two runs.
The Bombers would pull within two in the fifth off of Mallards starter Reilly Hovis (North Carolina) but would fail to put together any serious threats thereafter. Matthew Goodson (Alabama) doubled to lead off the fifth and later came around to score after an error by Forgione.
The fifth inning would be Hovis’ last inning of work. He allowed four runs (all earned) on five hits and walked three. Two of those free passes came in the first inning and both runners would come around to score on Bridgewater’s home run. He improves to 3-1 after the performance.
Sam Forkert (Marian) made his first appearance since the All Star Game and pitched the remainder of the contest. He allowed just two hits and a walk in his four innings of work. He notched his third save of the season with the effort.
Caleb Vincent (Grand Valley State) took the loss for the Bombers. He allowed six runs (all earned) on nine hits.
Kimbell, Jackson, Forgione and McShane all finished with a pair of RBIs.
Tommy Mirabelli (Kansas) and Matt Fears (Valdosta State) would be the only Bombers with multiple hits while Bridgewater ended up going 1-for-4.
The Mallards will start inter-division play on Sunday and will continue their nine-game home stand by hosting the Mankato MoonDogs. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 pm.
Sunday will be the Marshfield Clinic and Susan G. Komen Pink Night with a Fairy Millie Bobblehead giveaway! That night will also be the Susan G. Komen Community 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.
