The Madison Mallards (22-6) came back from a 3-0 deficit in the eighth inning to sweep the Rafters (13-14) in Wisconsin Rapids. After being held to only two hits and no runs through seven innings, the offense put together four hits and four runs to turn the game around in the eighth. The Mallards now have a three game winning streak and remain two games ahead of the second place Growlers with eight games remaining in the first half.

TURNING POINT

Jake Randa (NW Florida State) drove in his league leading 28th RBI in the top of the eighth with a line drive single to right field to pull the Mallards to 3-1. A walk to Tyler Plantier (Richmond) loaded the bases, and Madison tied the game 3-3 on a grounder to shortstop by David Vinsky (Northwoods) which was misplayed by the Rafters infield.  Jayce McLean (North Dakota State) crushed a double down the right field line and Vinsky raced home with the winning run on another Rafters error.

Four Mallards relievers including Alex Reyes (New Mexico State) combined for four innings of shutout relief to bring home the win. The Madison defense played errorless baseball and turned three double players to keep the game close before the eighth inning rally.

TOP MALLARDS

• Brian Martinez (Connors State) earned his third victory by getting three outs in the seventh and stranding two runners on base.
• Jonah Smith (Creighton) struck out two in a scoreless bottom of the eighth to hold the 4-3 lead
• Trace Norkus (North Florida) got the last three outs for his league leading eighth save in eight opportunities.

NEXT UP

The Mallards play a home and away doubleheader against the Rockford Rivets, Wednesday June 27.  Game 1 in Madison starts at 12:05 pm at Warner Park. A $19 Wisconsin Special ticket special that includes a lunch and beer or Pepsi product is available, along with the Pepsi Wednesday special of $45 for four terrace seats, four hot dogs, and four Pepsi drinks. First pitch of Game Two of the doubleheader will be at 7:05 pm in Rockford, IL.