Madison, Wis. – The Madison Mallards (7-1) captured their seventh victory of the 2015 season Wednesday night, defeating the Green Bay Bullfrogs (3-5) by a 4-2 mark in front of 5,327 fans at Warner Park. With the Ho-Chunk Gaming Big Win of the Night, the Mallards retained sole possession of first place in the Northwoods League’s South Division.
Matt Bower (Washington State) crafted one of the most memorable Mallards pitching performances in recent memory on the mound Wednesday evening, fanning 10 hitters across five shutout frames in route to his first winning decision of the season.
The 6-foot-5 southpaw threw 48 of 66 (72.7 percent) of his pitches for strikes and nine (13.6 percent) for swings-and-misses. “I kind of had all my pitches working really well,” Bower said, modestly. “It just felt good. The catcher and me were on point and we had it down, so it was pretty easy from there.”
Jean Ramirez (Illinois State) provided much of the offensive firepower for the Mallards, going 1-for-4 with a three-run home run – his first of the season. Logan Regnier (Central Michigan) scored and batted in a run from the leadoff spot in Madison’s order, while Chris Tschida (Western Illinois) reached base safely for the sixth time in seven games, going 1-for-3 with a run scored.
“That was another good one,” said Mallards field manager Donnie Scott. “Talk about Jean Ramirez coming up big with that three-run jack – that was outstanding. He’s been quality behind the plate and calls a great game. Pitching-wise, Mr. Bower was outstanding. His command was perfect.”
With their series-opening win in the books, the Mallards will turn their collective attention toward the finale of their two-game home set with Green Bay on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled 6:35 p.m. from the Duck Pond. Mallards players will wear R2-D2 jerseys for Star Wars Night, with the jerseys being auctioned off during the game.
###
The Madison Mallards are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 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, more than 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website. For more information, visit www.MallardsBaseball.com
