The Madison Mallards (15-6) defeated the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 4-1 on Monday night at Witter Field with strong pitching and a consistent offense. The Mallards scattered eight hits offensively and drew 10 walks as a team.

The Mallards got on the board in the second inning when Ben Anderson (Georgia) plated Drew Williams (San Jose State) to open a 1-0 lead. In the third, Williams bounced into a fielder’s choice to score a second run and give the Mallards a 2-0 cushion.

After four quiet innings, the Mallards tacked on another pair of runs in the eighth, starting with Justin Wiley (UAB) scoring on an error. Later in the frame, Timo Schau (Southern Wesleyan) hit an RBI single to secure a 4-0 lead.

The Rafters scored their lone run in the bottom of the eighth on a sacrifice fly from Jake Dunham (NIU).

Lowell Schipper (Richmond) dominated on the mound for the Mallards and earned his second win of the season, picking up a season-high eight strikeouts in five innings pitched. Jack Sinclair (UCF) was given the loss for the Rafters.

Turning Point

In the eighth inning, the Rafters threatened with the bases loaded and one out. Theo Denlinger (Bradley) entered and kept the lead intact for the Mallards. Denlinger made his ninth appearance of the season and recorded the last five outs on the mound to notch his fifth save of the season.

Top Mallards

• Schipper had his best start of the season, carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning. The right-hander allowed just two hits during his outing.
• Drew Benefield (Louisville) finished 1-for-2 at the plate, but drew three walks and reached safely in all but one of his five plate appearances.
• Schau was the only Mallard with a multi-hit game and finished 2-for-5 with an RBI.

Next Up

The Mallards finish a quick, two-game road swing with a trip to Wausau on Tuesday to face off against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. First pitch from Athletic Park is slated for 6:35 p.m. Hear every pitch of the 2019 Mallards’ season live on The Zone, 96.7 FM and 1670 AM.