FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2022
Samantha Rubin
727-460-7520
Mallards endure First Loss of Season
Madison loses game one of two at Wisconsin Rapids
Madison, WI – The Mallards hit the road for the first time in the 2022 Northwoods League season with a trip north to Wisconsin Rapids. The Rafters came away with a 7-6 victory in game one of the two game series against the Ducks.
Madison stayed hot in the 1st inning at the plate after 13 runners reached base in the final three frames of last night’s game with Lakeshore. Jason Hodges led off the game with a walk. Christian Rivera sliced a one-out double right before Payton Smith hit a two-run line drive right past Rafters’ starter Xavier Rivas (5.0 IP, 4 ER, 2 K). The first bomb of the season was curtesy of catcher Josh Caron (2-3, 3 RBI) extending the lead to 4-0 in the first frame. After the Caron homer, Rivas settled in sitting down the next nine Mallards at the dish.
Michael Finan got the ball from Donnie Scott in his first start of the season. Finan lasted three innings while allowing three hits and three earned runs. The issue today for the Mallards was a big ole’ five spot in the error column on defense. Three errors in the first two innings allowed the Rafters to come right back after the explosive start at the plate.
Seth Marano (2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER) got his first chance on the hill after his season at Wayne State University. Marano (L, 0-1) did what he could to induce weak fly-ball contact. However, Rafters hitters played the game of baseball. Putting balls in places where fielders weren’t. A big 6th inning brought eight Rafters to the plate scoring three runs.
The Mallards had a jolt in the top of the 8th inning when a single from Josh Caron and a fielder’s choice from Javier Beal brought the game within one run against Rafters’ reliever Ben Adams. After another fielder’s choice and a walk from Tyler Hare (1-3, 2B, BB), shortstop Ben Rosengard got his chance. The lefty from Rice University slapped a long fly-ball to left which died down right in front of the wall. If this game would have taken place at Warner Park, Rosengard would have given the Ducks the lead. Rafters’ closer Preston Howey slammed the door on the Mallards after a leadoff walk in the top of the 9th.
The Mallards make the trip back to Wisconsin Rapids tomorrow afternoon to complete the two-game series with the Rafters. Ryan O’Hara will start for the Mallards in game two. Mallard’s coverage can be found on Mixlr (MadisonMallards) for the 6:05 PM CST start tomorrow.
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The Madison Mallards are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 28th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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, over 280 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.greenbayrockers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Rockers as your favorite team.