Northwoods Madison Mallards

Loggers Hand Mallards First Defeat of Season, 8-4

Published on June 5, 2011 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


LA CROSSE, WI - June 5, 2011. Through the first four games of the season, the Madison Mallards seemed to get the ball to bounce their way every time. Sunday, the tides were turned on the Mallards as they dropped their first game of the 2011 Northwoods League season 8-4 at the hands of the Loggers. Not only did the Loggers (2-3) win their first home game, they were able to avoid a two-game sweep by the Ducks as well.

It appeared as if the Mallards would continue their offensive onslaught of the Loggers after scoring three times in the second inning. Jon Pierre "Jumpy" Garcia (Texas A&M - Corpus Christi) and Justin Scanlon (Michigan State) both hit their first home runs after joining the team on Saturday.

From that point on, the team was stifled on the plate as Loggers' starter Jake Stassi (Long Beach State) went seven strong innings, giving up only the five hits, walking no batters and striking out four. Stassi moves to 1-0 with the win.

"We didn't beat ourselves today," said Mallards' field manager Greg Labbe. "We hit the ball hard. It's just that the Loggers made a lot of solid plays tonight that weren't made by our opponents in the first four games."

Tom Windle (Minnesota) got the start for the Mallards and looked as though he would continue the team's trend of solid pitching. Windle pitched well in the first two innings, but things went downhill once the third inning rolled around. Windle (0-1) gave up five runs, all earned in the third, and the Loggers never looked back.

"After the third, we knew we had to scramble," Labbe said. "But, we stayed calm and collected knowing that we've scored runs in bunches. We just couldn't get any breaks today. La Crosse played lights out."

Leading the way for the Loggers was centerfielder Cameron Flynn (Kentucky). Flynn hit a home run and had two RBI to lead a La Crosse offensive attack that scored eight runs today after the Mallards gave up only six through the first four games combined. Mike Reeves (Florida Gulf Coast) was also potent on offense with three RBI for the Loggers.

Up next for the Ducks is a game in Wausau against the Woodchucks tomorrow evening at 6:35 p.m. Tomorrow will be the only game in Wausau before the Mallards come home for the first time this season on Tuesday.

By the NumbersJumpy Garcia and Justin Scanlon both homered in their first at bats of the season in the second inning.

After the third inning, the Mallards were held to only two hits.

The Mallards used more than three pitchers in a game for the first time this season.

The Loggers were the first team in five games to post a lead on the Mallards this season after their five-run third inning. Prior to that inning, the Mallards went 38 and one half innings without trailing in a game.

Loggers' pitcher Jake Stassi was the fourth left-handed pitcher to start against the Mallards in five games, and was the first lefty to earn a victory in the process.

The Loggers have had the first and fourth largest crowds to attend a Northwoods League game this season after 2,487 fans came to Copeland Park today.

The Madison Mallards are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League and will open in the new-and-improved "Duck Pond" beginning on Opening Day, June 7th against the Wisconsin Woodchucks at 7:05p.m.

Single-game tickets for the 2011 season are now on sale! Fans can purchase tickets one of three ways: 1) online by clicking here, 2) over the phone by calling the ticket office at 608.316.DUCK (3825), or 3) in-person at the "Duck Pond" weekdays 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. & 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday's. Group tickets, including hospitality areas perfect for company outings are on sale as well.

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