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Northwoods Madison Mallards

Mallards Clinch First Half Crown

June 30, 2018 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


Madison, Wis. - The Madison Mallards (25-8) clinched the South Division first half title with a 12-6 win over the Green Bay Bullfrogs (12-21) on Saturday night at Warner Park. After the Kalamazoo Growlers fell to the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders earlier tonight, the Mallards victory seals a spot in the 2018 NWL Playoffs in August. The first half title is the Mallards first since 2013 when the Mallards went 21-12 in the first half. Madison went on to win the 2013 NWL Championship later that summer.

Tonight, the Mallards were propelled by a patient approach at the plate and timely hitting in key situations. The Mallards tallied only seven hits at the plate but drew eight walks and were hit by a pair of errant pitches. Madison's key offensive moments came in just two innings as the Mallards scored six in the second frame and three in the third. Mallards outfielder Jayse McLean (NDSU) crushed two home runs into the Great Dane Duck Blind Suites to lead the Madison offense.

Turning Point

Madison second baseman Max Hewitt(Oklahoma State) delivered a two-run double while Jesse Forestell (Western Michigan) and Trevor Schwecke (UW-Milwaukee) added RBI hits to give the Mallards an early 6-0 advantage in the second inning. Then, Jayse McLean cranked a three-run bomb deep into the night to extend the lead in the bottom of the third. After three, the Mallards led 9-2.

The Bullfrogs were able to chip into the advantage during the middle innings setting the stage for a top of the eighth inning. Mallards reliever Trace Norkus (North Florida) entered in a dangerous spot with the tying run at the plate and two down in the inning. With runners on first and second and Madison holding a 9-6 lead, Norkus picked up a huge strikeout to end the threat. Norkus has held hitters to a 1-for-22 clip with runners in scoring position this season. Norkus then closed out the game with a pair of strikeouts in the ninth to seal the first half crown.

Top Mallards

- Mallards outfielder Jayse McLean (NDSU) crushed two home runs and knocked in four runs in the huge victory. His second was a solo shot that added insurance in the bottom of the eighth.

- Trevor Schwecke collected a pair of hits and knocked in two runs. Schwecke now has four doubles this season and has raised his average to .310.

- Mallards starter Dalton Wiggins lasted 5.0 innings and allowed three runs on four hits, earning the win in the Mallards division-clinching victory.

- Madison closer Trace Norkus picked up his NWL-leading ninth save in the win. Norkus has yet to allow a run through 15.0 innings on the mound this season.

Playoff Information

Thanks to tonight's victory, the Mallards will play in the first round of the 2018 NWL playoffs at Warner Park on Monday, August 13. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM and gates will open at 5:30 PM.

For current season ticket and package holders, tickets for the playoff game will go on sale at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, July 3. For the rest of the public, playoff tickets will go on sale at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, July 10. Additional details will be sent to season ticket and package holders and will also be available at mallardsbaseball.com soon.

Next Up

Tomorrow, the Mallards travel to the Green Bay looking for the series sweep at 1:05 PM. The Mallards return home for a three-game homestand starting Tuesday, July 3. The game will feature a post-game performance by Run Forrest Run presented by MGE followed by fireworks presented by LSM Chiropractic. Also, make sure to take advantage of the Wisconsin Ticket special. Get a ticket package that's valued at $40 for just $19. For tickets and more information visit mallardsbaseball.com. Make sure to catch every Mallards game on The Zone, 1670 AM and 96.7 FM.



Northwoods League Stories from June 30, 2018


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