The Mallards (26-14) rallied in the bottom of the eighth to defeat the Wisconsin Woodchucks (19-21) with the close score of 6-5, and avoided the sweep. Tonight marks the Mallards’ 26th win of the season.
The offense was silent for both teams until the Mallards’ bats came alive in the bottom of the third inning. Austin Blazevic (Southeastern Missouri) hammered the ball over the right field fence to earn a solo home run and put the Mallards on the board 1-0.
Madison began to run into trouble in the top of the fourth, as Mallards starting pitcher Brody Gibson (Oral Roberts) issued a walk with the bases loaded to give the Woodchucks an easy pass to tie the game at one. Kenny Rodriguez (Seminole State College) followed the walk with a two-RBI single, giving the Woodchucks a 3-1 lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Mallards responded with a run off an RBI single by EJ Ranel (Lenoir-Rhyne) to cut the Woodchuck lead by one.
The Mallards carried their momentum into the bottom of the fifth. After a three up, three down first half of the inning, the Mallards grasped a 4-3 lead off a two-RBI single by Blazevic.
Trouble began to score once again in the top of the sixth. The Woodchucks were able to come within one run after a wild pitch by Aidan Tyrell (Notre Dame) escaped from the catcher’s glove, bringing the score to 5-4. Jarrett Scheelk (Madison College) entered the game to finish the inning, but the Woodchucks scored another run off an RBI single to tie the game at five.
The eighth inning was crucial for the Mallards. Madison turned the score around after a sacrifice fly from Drew Williams (San Jose State) brought the score back in the Mallards favor, 6-5.
The Woodchucks were unable to score any runs in the top of the ninth and the Mallards secured their 26 win of the season.
John Sakowski (Creighton) was the unexpected hero for Madison on the mound. The RHP made his Mallards’ debut in the top of the eighth, striking out three through the ninth to end the game and pick up his first win of the summer.
Nick Vanderhoef (Barry University) was charged with the loss after giving up the sacrifice fly that eventually would lead to the Mallards victory.
Turning Point
The Mallards rallied in the bottom of the eight to take back the lead and gain a one run cushion, 6-5, heading into the ninth.
Top Mallards
- Blazevic was named Impact Player of the Night after going 3-for-4, and contributing three RBI. He also slammed his second home run of the season.
- Sakowski shined in his debut for Madison after striking out three and picking up his first win of the season.
- Ranel had two RBI and went 3-for-4 with a walk.
- Williams came in clutch after a sacrifice fly to left field gave Madison the chance to take the lead.
Up Next
The Mallards are back at the Duck Pond for an early afternoon game against the Green Bay Booyah. Tomorrow is A1 Furniture Princess Day with Jasmine, Elsa and Belle and a pre-game princess parade. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m., gates will open at 12:05 p.m.
