Madison, Wis. – The Kalamazoo Growlers (11-16, 20-41) took both ends of a competitive doubleheader of two seven-innings games against the Madison Mallards (13-15, 32-31). The Mallards fell in game one 5-2 despite a two-run shot by Maverick Handley (Stanford) and dropped game two after Kalamazoo exploded for six runs in early innings.

Trailing by one in the third inning of game one, second baseman Tommy Bullock (UNC-Charlotte) opened the Mallards scoring with an RBI single to score Maverick Handley. Bullock would end the game with a pair of hits.

The Mallards continued their relentless offensive approach after the Growlers pulled ahead by one in the fourth. With two outs, Thomas Smart (Oakton) ripped a single and Maverick Handley followed with a two-run bomb into the Budweiser Rooftop in left field. The dinger gave the Mallards a 3-2 lead after four.

However, the steady performance by the Growlers was too much as they tallied two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth. The scoring was enough to seal a 5-3 win. Overall, Kalamazoo scratched across eleven hits and only committed one error in the field.

In game two, the Mallards offense jumped out to an early lead. Again, a Mallards rally started with two outs when Zac Taylor (Illinois) stroked a single and Sam Armstrong (Jacksonville) ripped a two-run shot over the left field fence. The home run was Armstrong’s fourth of the season at the Duck Pond.

The Kalamazoo offense would then respond again with a five run frame in the second. Kalamazoo batters kept a patient approach all game as they drew a total of six walks. After adding another in the third, the Growlers led 6-2.

Madison adopted a similar mindset at the dish in the bottom of the third when they drew four walks and put pressure on the Kalamazoo pitching staff. Overall, the Mallards scratched across a pair of runs and drew within two runs. However, the Kalamazoo bullpen would hold down the Madison bats for the rest of the ballgame and hold onto the 6-4 win.

Tomorrow, the Mallards host the Growlers for the third and final game of the series. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM. Gates are scheduled to open at 5:30 PM and the game will feature Animart’s Bark in the Park Night with doggy chip clip giveaway presented by Madison Veterinary Specialists. Listen to all Mallards games live by tuning into The Zone 106.7 FM or 1670 AM. For more Mallards coverage, visit mallardsbaseball.com.