By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — July 28, 2013. Mankato MoonDogs (13-9, 30-27) starter Cameron Giannini (Southern Mississippi) was at his best against the Madison Mallards (16-8, 37-20) Sunday afternoon until the sixth inning, when Tate Matheny (Missouri State) hit a two-run home run and the Mallards tacked on two more in the inning to help them to a 4-2 win.
The MoonDogs pulled within two in the eighth against Mallards reliever Danny Sullivan (Davenport) and loaded the bases with two outs later in the inning. But Sullivan then got third baseman Chase Simpson (Wichita State) to ground out to second.
Jack Livingston (Northwestern) then came on in the ninth and struck out two batters in a 1-2-3 inning for his first save of the season.
Mallards starter Andrew Arenson (Carthage) allowed just one hit over his five innings of work but allowed six free passes. He also stranded seven runners on the night. A two-out walk hurt him in the first, as MoonDogs designated hitter John Michael Twichell (UT-Arlington) doubled off the right field wall in the next at-bat to score one.
It was Arenson’s only run allowed and Kristian Calibuso (Eastern Michigan) pitched scoreless innings in the sixth and the seventh for his fourth win.
The two other Mallards runs after Matheny’s long ball in the sixth came from Brock Stewart (Illinois State) and Jason Goldstein (Illinois) RBI singles.
Giannini ended up throwing 5.1 innings and all four runs he surrendered were earned. He allowed seven hits and struck out four while issuing two walks.
John LaPrise (Virginia) and Matheny led the Mallards offensively on the night. LaPrise went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and a run scored while Matheny finished 2-for-3. His home run was his eighth of the season.
Twichell finished 1-for-4 with a walk, a double and an RBI. Hibraim Cordova (U of the Cumberlands) recorded the other MoonDogs RBI and finished 1-for-3.
Nine Mallards will play in the Northwoods League Big League Dreams Showcase tomorrow at the ‘Duck Pond.’ There will be a doubleheader featuring the top 100 pro prospects in the Northwoods League. The Mallards players will play in the nightcap, which is scheduled for a 7:05 pm start.
The Alliant Energy South Central Library System Reading Night will take place tomorrow as well as the African Americans of Tomorrow 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.
