Madison, WI- June 28, 2012- A walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning by Loggers catcher Tyler Servais (Princeton) allowed the La Crosse Loggers (22-7) to edge out a 2-1 win over the Madison Mallards (12-18). The win gave the Loggers the opener of the three game series between the two teams.
The Loggers got on the board first in the second inning with an RBI single by first baseman Brandon Bednar (Florida Gulf Coast) to score shortstop Matt Chapman (Cal State Fullerton) from second base.
The Mallards were held hitless through 6.1 innings by Loggers starter Jake Stassi (Long Beach State) until first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) was able to reach base on a line drive single to left field.
That same inning the Mallards evened the score at one apiece on an RBI double by third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia) that scored Zimmerman.
Confusion ensued in the bottom half of the inning when the Loggers appeared to retake the lead on a past ball that allowed second baseman Steven Pallares (San Diego State) to score from second. Mallards manager Greg Labbe went out to argue the call and was able to convince plate umpire Billy Hufstedler that Pallares should be sent back to third base, putting the score back to 1-1.
It would all be for naught though as the Loggers walked off winners in the bottom of the ninth inning off an RBI single by Servais to score Chapman. With the bases loaded Servais was able to drive a ball to right field off of Mallards reliever Daniel Gibson (Florida), giving the Loggers the win.
Mallards starter Anthony Marzi (Connecticut) was once again stellar for the Mallards, giving up one run on two hits through 5.0 innings of work.
Gibson (Florida) was tagged with the loss after giving up the winning run in the ninth inning. Through 1.1 innings he gave up two hits and the lone run in the ninth inning.
Loggers reliever Scott Schultz (Oregon State) picked up the win after throwing 2.0 innings of hitless relief to shutdown the Mallards offense. In his third appearance the right hander allowed no runs, no hits, and struck out three.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Friday June 29th to play the second game of their series with the Loggers. That night will feature “Duck Pond” LEGO kits presented by briXwerX studios and in-game entertainment by Inflatamaniacs.
The 2012 season is upon us! Single-game tickets are on-sale for all Mallards home games!
The Madison Mallards are part of the 16-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America.
