Mallards Celebrate Manager, Win against Woodchucks
Madison entertains home crowd to snap four-game skid
Madison, WI – The Mallards were able to salvage a series split in impressive fashion against the visiting Wausau Woodchucks on Friday night in front of a crowd of over 6,000.
On a night where the Mallards celebrated their Manager Donnie Scott after his 400th career Northwoods League victory on Monday night in Wausau, Madison squared off with the Woodchucks at the Duck Pond. A large crowd was in attendance early to see the celebration where Scott received a team-signed photo and a team-signed base. The same base that he tossed aside after being ejected last Friday night in Green Bay. The Ducks got on the board first in the bottom of the 4th on a Noah Smith groundout to score Chad McCann. McCann had reached earlier in the inning on an error. Wausau was able to put four consecutive runners on base in the top of the 4th against starter Ryan O’Hara. Although O’Hara walked five, he was able to compile four innings of work before turning over to the bullpen. The Woodchucks were able to plate four in the frame thanks to a two-run single from Hagen Escoto, who earlier entered as a pinch-hitter. Following O’Hara was the right hander from St. Thomas, Bryce Leedle. After allowing seven earned runs in his first appearance, over his next three Leedle (3.1 IP, 2 H, 8 K) has only allowed one. On Friday night, he set a collegiate career high with eight punchouts in relief.
Madison was able to cut the lead in half in the bottom of the 5th when Liam Moreno singled home Miguel Larreal (2-3, 3 R). The majority of the Mallards’ fun came in the bottom of the 6th. With J.T. Mabry (2-4, 2B, 2 RBI) at the plate, relief pitcher Korey Bunselmeyer tossed a wild pitch that brought the game within one and moved two other runners into scoring position. The Mallards second baseman lined a fastball back up the middle to score both runs and take a 5-4 lead. Madison would add one more in the bottom of the 8th as insurance on a single from Josh Caron. Madison handed the ball to All-Star closer Steven Lacey to close things out. Lacey was able to strike out the final four batters of the game. The two bullpen arms for the Ducks combined for 12 strikeouts.
The Mallards head to the state of Michigan to begin a two-game series with the Battle Creek Battle Jacks tomorrow in a cross-divisional series. Game coverage can be found on the Northwoods League website under the ‘Live Action’ tab at 6:35 PM.
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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.
