Wisconsin Rapids, WI – June 12, 2014. The Madison Mallards fell to the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters tonight, 12-5. The Mallards couldn't overcome two big innings by the Rafters as they scored four runs in both the second and eighth innings.
Rafters starter Zach Jackson (Arkansas) was brilliant in his first appearance of the season. He went six strong innings and struck out 12 Mallards batters while walking just one. Mallards starter Tom Constand (Western Illinois) took the loss after lasting just two innings and giving up five runs.
The Mallards pulled to within 8-5 in the top of eighth when they loaded the bases and scored two runs off a throwing error, but the Rafters responded with four runs in the bottom half of the inning. Erik Payne (Virginia Tech) led the Rafters by hitting two home runs and driving in five runs.
The Mallards were led offensively by third baseman Trent Higginbothem (North Florida) and right fielder Brian Rodemoyer (Illinois State) who each went 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.
The Mallards (10-6) return to the "Duck Pond" tomorrow to complete their home-and-home series with the Rafters (4-13). Tomorrow night is Charter Communications Office Space Night featuring an appearance by Richard Riehle, the creator of the Jump to Conclusions Mat. Doc Jams will also provide old printers and faxers for fans to smash on the field post-game.
Mallards single game tickets are on-sale now. To purchase tickets, log on to MallardsBaseball.com, call 608-246-4277, or stop by the Mallards ticket office.
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The Madison Mallards are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.mallardsbaseball.com.
