Madison, Wis. (July 11) – Despite Nate Hoffmann (Middle Tennessee State) tabbing another quality start and Donnie Scott’s lineup receiving several opportunities to plate runners in scoring position, the Madison Mallards (6-4, 26-19) were defeated by the Battle Creek Bombers (3-8, 16-30) by a final score of 2-1 Saturday night at the Duck Pond. The Mallards were limited to five runs across nine inning in the losing effort, which dropped the Mallards to 6-4 in the second half.
After four fast-paced innings in which neither team was able to muster up a run, the Bombers captured the game’s first lead courtesy of a two-run home run from third baseman Michael Sanderson. The round-tripper was the only blemish in an otherwise strong performance from Hoffmann, who exited the contest having allowed two runs on four hits, one walk and five strikeouts in five frames. It was Hoffmann’s fifth quality start of the summer in seven starting appearances.
The Mallards strove to ignite their lineup in the home half of the fifth, an inning that saw Scott Tyler (Ball State), Cameron Frost (Washington State) and Charlie Cody (Virginia) reach base in succession to load the bases with no outs. But Madison was unable to produce a run in the opportunity, witnessing J.J. Gould (Jacksonville) and Tony Butler (Madison College) strike out swinging and Logan Regnier (Central Michigan) ground out to conclude the run-less frame.
Momentum shifted to the Mallards late in the contest, however. Jean Ramirez (Illinois State) drove home Butler on a sacrifice fly in the home half of the eight to trim Battle Creek’s lead to 2-1. And after two scoreless frames of relief with five strikeouts from Mike Kaelin (Buffalo), Cody and Gould proceeded to reach base with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. But Jason Goldstein’s (Illinois) pinch-hit foul-out ceased any hope of a comeback, ending the game at 2-1.
With the loss behind them, the Mallards will turn their attention toward Sunday’s series finale with the Bombers, which is scheduled 4:05 p.m. at the Duck Pond. Sunday will Princess Night at Warner Park with an appearance from Queen Elsa and Princess Anna. Kids 12 and under in costume will receive a free standing room only ticket. Additionally, Sunday will feature a Charter Communications Rubber Duck Giveaway and Petting Zoo Sunday outside the front gates. For tickets, call the Mallards ticket office at 608-246-4277 or visit www.MallardsBaseball.com for more information.
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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 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, 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 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website. For more information, visit www.MallardsBaseball.com.
