The Madison Mallards (9-10) sweep the Battle Creek Bombers for the first time this season. Madison’s offense exploded in the top of the ninth inning to win the second game of the two game set against Battle Creek (13-7) by a score of 7-2.
The Mallards completed the sweep of the series with the Bombers by combining timely hits, strong defense, and resilient pitching. The two wins in Battle Creek are the closest two victories that Madison has recorded. The Mallards proved their grit today by holding off late momentum from the Bombers in a game that was close until the ninth inning.
The top of the Mallards lineup continued to produce baserunners and runs, as singles from Cade Bunnell (Indiana) and Angel Camacho (Jacksonville) scored runs in the third and fifth innings. This offense didn’t come easy though, as seven Mallards struck out multiple times.
A Bomber run off of Dom Savino (Albany) in the eighth inning to tie the game seemed to light a fire under the Mallards. In the top of the ninth with one out, three consecutive infield hits loaded the bases for Jeffrey Mitchell Jr. (California). With a nose for clutch moments, Mitchell Jr. punished a three run double over the left fielder’s head. Singles from Thomas Smart (Oakton) and Maverick Handley (Stanford) would bring home the last two runs for the Mallards.
Right-hander, Ryan Schmitt (Illinois) threw five innings of one run ball, allowing just four hits. Mitch Vogrin (Illinois State) and Savino kept the Bombers in check until Andrew Buckley (California) slammed the door on Battle Creek in the eighth and ninth. The Mallards pitching staff held one of the explosive lineups in the league to only three runs in two games.
Cole Daily (Notre Dame), Bunnell, Mitchell Jr., and Smart all recorded multiple hits. Daily continued his hitting streak and now has a hit in six straight games, and 14 of his last 15 games. Mitchell Jr. doubled for the second straight game, hitting third in the lineup in the place of a sick Doran Turchin (Illinois). Madison has managed to put up strong offensive performances without Turchin, who leads the team in RBI and home runs.
The Mallards will enjoy an off day on Monday before a doubleheader on Tuesday against Rockford. The first game of the twin bill will take place at the Duck Pond at 12:05 PM on Tuesday, with the second game being played at 6:35 PM in Rockford.
