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Northwoods Madison Mallards

Bullpen Seals 6-4 Win over Woodchucks

June 6, 2018 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


Madison, Wis. - The Madison Mallards (6-3) picked up their fourth straight win with a 6-4 victory over the Wisconsin Woodchucks at the Duck Pond on Wednesday evening. The Mallards lineup provided plenty of offense as eight different Mallards batters recorded hits and every player reached base. Mallards right fielder Jake Randa (NW Florida State) led the charge with two hits and three RBI. Despite the Mallards 12 total hits, the bats could not quite break the game completely open in the game's middle innings. Holding a two-run lead going into the fifth inning, Madison turned to its bullpen to hold off the Woodchucks and preserve the win.

Turning Point

With the Mallards leading 5-4 going into the sixth, reliever Brian Morrell (Notre Dame) entered and worked the Mallards first 1-2-3 inning. The Mallards offense responded by adding an insurance run in the bottom half of the frame and Morrell went on to cruise into the eighth inning holding the 6-4 lead. Morrell tallied four strikeouts through 2.1 innings before giving way to Trace Norkus (North Florida).

Norkus entered with men on second and third with only one down in the eighth. He executed two crucial strikeouts to escape the inning and hang on to the two-run Madison lead. An inning later, Norkus completed the four-out save by striking out a pair to slam the door shut and seal the Mallards 6-4 win.

Quoteables

Trace Norkus on settling into his role as a closer...

"It's kind of second nature to me now. I like the pressure. I think I'm a good fit for it. Once you get a few innings under your belt you feel way more comfortable. I just get a feel for the mound, the fans and the stadium, everything like that."

Top Mallards

-   Leftfielder Jake Randa collected two hits, extending his hitting streak to nine games.

-   Mallards newcomer Jack Blomgren (Michigan) had a smooth debut, recording a pair of knocks, including a double off of the right-centerfield fence.

- Second baseman Max Hewitt (Oklahoma State) also had two hits in his first game as a Mallard. Hewitt also collected his first RBI with a run-scoring groundout in the second inning.

- Brian Morrell earned his first win of the season with his strong 2.1 inning performance out of the pen. Morrell has now worked 5.1 innings this season while allowing zero runs and striking out five.

Next Up

The Mallards head to Wausau tomorrow for game two of their set with the Woodchucks. However, they will be back at the Duck Pond for three straight games this weekend. Get ready for plenty of fun at Warner Park as the weekend homestand features two bobblehead giveaways and a post-game fireworks show. For tickets and more information visit mallardsbaseball.com.



Northwoods League Stories from June 6, 2018


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