Five-Run Inning Downs Mallards 7-3
Wausau, Wis. – The Madison Mallards (24-7) could not overcome a five-run third inning, and dropped a 7-3 decision to the Wisconsin Woodchucks (9-22) Friday night. The Mallards magic number to win the first half South Division crown remains at two with four to play. Any combination of two Mallards wins or two Growlers losses will clinch first place and a playoff berth for Madison.
Relievers Brian Martinez (Connors State) and Tanner Rogen (Oral Roberts) kept the game close, but the Madison offense could only score three runs in the fourth inning.
Turning Point
It was a tight 1-0 game in the bottom of the third inning when the roof caved in on the Mallards. After starter Dustin Saenz (Texas A&M) got a strikeout for the second out of the inning with runners on first and third base, the Woodchucks strung together four hits to plate five runs and take a 6-0 lead. All five runs which scored in the inning were unearned. The Mallards scored three in the top of the fourth to halve the Woodchuck lead but were shut down the rest of the way.
Top Mallards
- Mike Aiello (UW Whitewater) stroked a two-RBI bases loaded single in the fourth inning
- Drew Campbell (Louisville) had three hits on the night
- Brian Martinez kept the game close by pitching three and one-third inning of one run ball
- Tanner Rogen did not allow a hit or a run in his two innings of work
Next Up
The Mallards return home Saturday night for a home and away two-game series against the Green Bay Bullfrogs. First pitch is an early 6:05 pm start and the game will feature an LSM Chiropractic car magnet phone holder giveaway at Warner Park. Team Zoom Canine Entertainment will also be performing throughout the night.
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The Madison Mallards are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The 23-year-old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 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 170 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including two-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champion Ben Zobrist (CHC) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM) and Lucas Duda (NYM). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.mallardsbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Bullfrogs as your favorite team.
