By Peter Geppert
La Crosse, WI – August 1, 2012. With their post-season hopes on life support, Mallards center fielder John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) delivered a season saving solo homer in the 11th inning to secure a 7-6 Madison Mallards (16-8, 32-27) win over the La Crosse Loggers (14-10, 40-20). The victory allowed the Mallards to salvage the finale of the four game series and avoid the sweep.
It did not take the Mallards long to recover from last night’s no-hitter, leading off the first inning with a double by Welborn. After Welborn advanced to third base on a wild pitch by Loggers starter Josh Frye (Long Beach State), right fielder Travis Becherer (Southern Illinois) got an RBI in his first at-bat as a Mallard when he grounded out to first baseman Kevin Kramer (UCLA).
Left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) doubled the Mallards advantage in the fourth inning when he homered off of Frye to make the score 2-0.
Fisher’s college teammate, Mallards third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia), continued the power display with a two run blast in the sixth inning to push the lead to 4-0.
In the seventh inning Welborn made it three home runs for the Mallards, taking Frye deep for a two run homer.
The Loggers rallied in the seventh inning to tie the game, sending ten hitters to the plate and scoring six runs off of Mallards relievers Sam Forkert (Marian) and Hobie McClain (New Mexico). After scoring four runs on a hit by pitch, two walks, and a fielder’s choice, Loggers left fielder Joe Meggs (Washington) delivered the key two RBI double to tie the game.
Both bullpens kept the game deadlocked until the 11th inning, when Welborn tacked on his second home run of the game to give the Mallards the lead.
Mallards closer John Hamilton (UNC-Charlotte) locked down the win in the bottom half of the frame, pitching a perfect inning to get his 11th save of the season.
McClain (4-0) earned his fourth win of the season, settling down after a rocky seventh inning to pitch 4.0 innings of quality relief in which he gave up three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four.
Loggers reliever Zach Wright (Washington) was tagged with the loss after giving up the game deciding homer in the 11th inning. Through 3.2 innings on the mound Wright (3-1) surrendered one run on two hits while striking out three.
News and Notes:
After coming into tonight with only one home run to his name this summer, Welborn came up big for the Mallards with his first multi-homer game of the season.
Loggers manager Andy McKay was not available for tonight’s game, taking it off for personal reasons.
Tonight’s attendance was 2,911.
Woodchucks Watch:
As the Mallards continue their chase of the Woodchucks for the second half South Division title and a spot in the post-season, the Mallards will continue to keep an eye on the Woodchucks the rest of the season…
Scoreboard Watch: Woodchucks 7, Bullfrogs 1 Final
Up Next:
After tonight’s game the Mallards continue their five game road trip tomorrow night with the series opener against the Eau Claire Express (11-14, 22-37). First pitch of that game is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Sunday, August 5th to start a five game series with the Lakeshore Chinooks (14-10, 31-28). That night will be Marshfield Clinic Susan G. Komen for the Cure Night and Princess Millie Bobblehead Night at the ballpark.
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.
