Northwoods Madison Mallards

Mallards Beat Bullfrogs Behind Crawford, Trio of Sluggers

July 2, 2011 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


GREEN BAY, WI - The Madison Mallards defeated the Green Bay Bullfrogs 12-1 on Friday night at Joannes Stadium, retaining their spot alone atop the South Division and creating a two- game gap between the Bullfrogs.

In one perhaps the most impressive showing of the season, the Mallards were able to knock off their fellow contenders in a variety of ways.

Despite the eleven-run win, it was Madison's pitching that stole the show. The team allowed only two hits, a season-low, and struck out ten hitters.

Starting pitcher Jonathon Crawford (Florida) made his first start for the team Friday and went five innings, earning the win. Crawford (1-0) allowed the only run scored by the Bullfrogs, albeit it was unearned. He gave up only one hit and struck out eight. His only flaw on the night were the four walks he gave up.

"Jonathon had electric stuff tonight," said Mallards field manager Greg Labbe. "He did get behind hitters often, but he had his pitches working so well, he was able to battle back and get guys out."

The Mallards used only one other pitcher on the night as Travis Parker (St. Louis) came on in the sixth inning to replace Crawford. Parker was equally impressive, allowing only one hit. He walked no batters and notched two strikeouts, picking up the rarest of all saves; his second of the season.

"What Travis did was extremely important for us," Labbe said. "He was the perfect transition pitcher tonight as our lead increased from the early stages on. He had everything working too and made quick work of Green Bay's offense, so keeping him in was a no-brainer."

The Mallards' offense was also dominant, scoring in five of the nine innings played.

Niko Fraser (Elon), Matt Juengel (Texas A&M), and Nate Theunissen (Central Michigan) paced the league's number one offense. Fraser went 2-for-4 with four runs scored and one batted in, Juengel was 4-for-6 with three runs scored, and Theunissen went 3-for-4 with one run scored and three RBI.

After Friday's game, six of the nine hitters in the Madison lineup were hitting .290 or better.

Taking the loss for Green Bay was starter Cam Dullnig (Western Carolina). Dullnig pitched 4.2 innings and gave up four runs on four hits. He also walked five batters.

The Bullfrogs would go on to use five more pitchers after Dullnig was removed from the game, including Billy Moon (Gonzaga), who started the game in center field.

Friday's game was the finale of the three-game series with the Bullfrogs. The Mallards will return to Madison for a 5:05 p.m. game against the Battle Creek Bombers Saturday, who sit one game back of the Mallards for first place.

Saturday is also Rhythm & Booms Night at the "Duck Pond," and the Mallards will be showing a post- fireworks movie on the Pepsi Max Video Board. In addition to the Fourth of July festivities,the Diamond Center will be sponsoring "Date Night at the 'Duck Pond.'"



Northwoods League Stories from July 2, 2011


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