WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. – The Madison Mallards topped the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 2-1 at Witter Field on Friday in thrilling fashion. The Rafters had the game-tying run in scoring position with two out in the ninth inning when the Mallards’ Timo Schau (Southern Wesleyen) made a diving catch in centerfield to clinch the win and give the Mallards a 4-0 start to 2019.
Offensively, Justin Wiley (UAB) scored the Mallards’ first run of the night on a double steal in the fifth inning. Then, in the seventh, EJ Ranel (Lenoir-Rhyne) dropped one into the gap in left to plate the go-ahead run and give the Mallards a 2-1 lead which held on as the final.
The victory marked the 300th of Mallards’ manager Donnie Scott’s Northwoods League career.
Turning Point
Ranel’s double broke a 1-1 deadlock in the seventh to push the Mallards ahead 2-1. For the fourth-consecutive game, the Mallards used late-game offense to take the lead. The Madison bullpen once again was stellar in relief.
Top Mallards
- Ranel finished 2-for-4 at the plate with a double and RBI. He now has six RBIs in 2019 and has been a mainstay in the leadoff spot for the Mallards.
- Blake Cisneros (Southeastern Missouri State) shined out of the bullpen. Cisneros took over in the sixth and fired three perfect innings for the Mallards with two strikeouts. Not one Rafter could hit one out of the infield against the Madison left-hander.
- Benefield reached safely in all four trips to the plate and finished 1-for-2. He was hit by a pitch, drew two walks and scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning.
Next Up
The Mallards continue their road swing Saturday in Wausau, Wisconsin, against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. from Athletic Park. Hear every pitch of the 2019 Mallards’ season live on The Zone, 96.7 FM and 1670 AM.
