Northwoods Madison Mallards

Mallards Lose Lead Late, Fall in Extras to Express

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


EAU CLAIRE, WI - July 5, 2011. The Madison Mallards fell to the Eau Claire Express 8-7 Tuesday in a thrilling extra-inning affair at Carson Park. Despite the loss, the Mallards still hold a one-game lead over the Express in the South Division standings and can clinch the first half title with a victory over Eau Claire on Wednesday.

The game went back-and-forth as runs were scored in nine of the ten innings played Tuesday night.

Madison got the scoring started early with two in the first and would subsequently follow with one run in the third, one in the sixth, and three in the seventh to round out their scoring.

The Mallards were led by Mike McQuillan (Iowa), Jordan Owen (Tennessee - Martin), and Nate Theunissen (Central Michigan). McQuillan was the only Mallard with multiple hits and drove in three runs. Owen and Theunissen each added an RBI to their season totals. Zac Powers (Florida), Matt Juengel (Texas A&M), and McQuillan all scored two runs in the loss.

The Express were able to spread their scoring out Tuesday, tallying runs in seven of the ten innings played and keeping the Mallards' defense on their toes. Six Eau Claire hitters had multiple hits compared to the Mallards' one. Ryan Shober (UIC) and Nick Addison (UIC) each led the team with three hits apiece. Combined, the college teammates also scored three runs and drove in two. Justin Viele (Santa Clara) led the team with two RBI.

Pitching was never really a bright spot for either team. Both starters did not pitch past the second inning, and nine combined pitchers were used in the game.

Mallards' starter Nick Sutherland (Minnesota State - Mankato) pitched two innings and gave up one run before exiting with a high pitch count. Matt McDaniel (San Diego State) got the start for Eau Claire and made it through 1.2 innings, giving up one and walking four.

The winning pitcher for Eau Claire was Miguel Silva (Yavapai). Silva pitched a perfect tenth inning, notching his first win of the season. Three other pitchers threw for the Express. The most notable pitching performace was turned in by Ben Kincaid (Mankato State), who gave up two in 4.1 innings of work.

The loss was charged to Madison's Matt Milroy (Illinois) Milroy (1-1) gave up three runs and walked four in 2.1 innings of work before allowing the winning run to cross in the tenth.

The same two teams will battle Wednesday at Carson Park with the South Division title on the line. The finale of the three-game set will also be the finale of the first half, and first pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. Chris Lamb (Davidson) will be on the mound for the Mallards, making his second start of the season.

A victory for the Mallards would give the team their first playoff appearance since 2008. If the Mallards lose, the Express would have to wait and see how Battle Creek and Green Bay fare in their contests Wednesday. All three second-place teams won on Tuesday and will enter Wednesday's action one game back of the Mallards.

Upcoming Promotions at the "Duck Pond"

Saturday, July 9th (vs. Wisconsin Rapids, 6:05 p.m.)

Schoep's Ice Cream, Ice Cream Scoop Night (First 1,000 fans).

Stress Taxi Night presented by Union Cab (First 500 fans, Great Dane Duck Blind only).

Gold'n Plump Chicken Night.

TDS Post-Game Fireworks.

Free shuttle from and back to Claddagh Irish Pub (Middleton)! Bus will leave at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 10th (vs. Wisconsin Rapids, 5:05 p.m.)

Charter Communications Tailgating Maynard Bobblehead (First 1,000 fans).

St. Mary's GoldenCare Grandparent Appreciation Night. 2-for-1 tickets for seniors 60+. Pre-game ceremony on-field for all grandparents with their grandchildren.

Gold'n Plump Chicken Night.

The Madison Mallards are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. Great seats remain for all games! Fans can purchase tickets one of three ways: 1) online, 2) over the phone by calling the ticket office at 608.316.DUCK (3825), or 3) in-person at the "Duck Pond." Group tickets, including hospitality areas perfect for company outings are on sale as well.



Northwoods League Stories from July 5, 2011


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