Madison, Wis. – The Madison Mallards (11-11, 30-27) fell in both ends of a competitive doubleheader of two seven-innings games with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (14-8, 41-17). The Mallards dropped game one 9-6 despite a huge game from Sam Armstrong (Jacksonville) and fell in game two, 5-3, when the Rafters came through with two clutch runs in the top of the seventh.
After falling behind 3-1 in game one, Madison first baseman Sam Armstrong led the Mallards offense back. Armstrong cranked a 2 RBI double in the fourth inning to tie the game. An inning later, Armstrong smashed a two-run shot over the centerfield fence to make the score 6-3.
However, the Rafters offense responded in a huge way in the top of the sixth inning when they hung six runs on the board. All but one Rafter was able to tally a hit in the ballgame and Nick Anderson led the way with three hits and an RBI. Other than Armstrong’s big knocks for the Mallards, the Rapids pitching staff was able to silent the Madison bats. Cameron Busby hurled a pair of scoreless innings to seal the 9-6 Rafters win.
The Rafters offense came out hot to start the second ballgame as they got on the board right away with one run in the top of the first. Mallards starter Tristen Bayless (Texas A&M) escaped multiple jams in his 3.2 innings of work as he stranded four baserunners.
Madison was able to quickly respond by scratching across a pair in the bottom of the third. Matt Elsenpeter (NDSU) led the inning off with a single and later scored on a Zac Taylor (Illinois) single. Shortly after, Taylor took off to steal third and consequentially scored on a throwing error by the Rapids catcher. After three innings, Madison led 2-1.
While the Mallards were struggling to get on base during the middle innings, the Rafters scored runs in the fourth and fifth to take the lead. Trailing by one, the Mallards offense got crafty to try to manufacture runs. Elsenpeter and Daily both laid down beautiful bunt singles to start the bottom of the fifth. Elsenpeter ended up scoring on a Taylor sac fly to tie the game at three.
The Mallards offense then had a big opportunity to take the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning after drawing three free passes. However, they stranded the bases loaded as Rafters reliever Aaron Herr worked out of the trouble. Rapids used the momentum to spark their offense in the next half inning. Dustin Woodcock blooped a two-run double down the left field line to give the Rafters a 5-3 lead. Rafters closer Lanye Henderson punched out two and slammed the door in the bottom of the seventh to seal the win.
The Mallards are scheduled to take on the Battle Creek Bombers tomorrow at 6:35 PM at Warner Park. The game features Game of Thrones Night with an appearance by the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. It is also Stoddard’s Country Grove Market Meat Raffle giveaway. Additionally, post-game fireworks presented by Budweiser. Gates are scheduled to open at 5:00 PM. Listen to all Mallards games live by tuning into The Zone 106.7 FM or 1670 AM. For more Mallards coverage, visit mallardsbaseball.com.
