The Madison Mallards (14-6) dropped their second straight game after losing 4-3 against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (11-8).

Nothing notable occurred until the bottom of the third inning, when the Mallards put a run on the scoreboard off a sac fly by Justin Wiley (Alabama-Birmingham). Starting the 1-0 lead, the Mallards scored once again in the fourth off an RBI double by Nick Gile (Madison College) to make it 2-0.

In the top of the fifth, Madison’s lead was cut in half when CJ Willis (LSU) slammed an RBI triple into the outfield wall. Then, Harry Fullerton (University of New Mexico) hit an RBI to score another run, tying the game at two a piece.

The Mallards began to struggle in the top of the sixth. Deylan Miley (Bellarmine) gave up a home run to Jake Durham (Northern Illinois) to put the Rafters ahead 3-2. Adding to their lead, the Rafters scored off a sac fly from Willis to make the score 4-2.

Trailing by two in the bottom of the ninth, Drew Benefield gave hope to the Mallards after hitting a solo home run to cut the Rafters lead by one with two outs. Unfortunately, Benefields momentum was not enough, and Drew Williams (Miami-Ohio) struck out to end the game.

Turning Point

A sac fly from Willis put the Rafters on top 4-2 in the top of the ninth.

Top Mallards

• Drew Benefield was named Impact Player of the Night after hitting a solo home run to cut the Rafters lead by one in the bottom of the ninth
• Ben Specht made his debut in a Mallards uniform. He earned six strikeouts through five innings.

Up Next

The Mallards and Rafters will close out their series tomorrow at Witter Field in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. First pitch is set for 7:05. Hear every pitch of the 2019 Mallards’ season live on The Zone, 96.7 FM and 1670 AM.