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Northwoods Madison Mallards

Mallards Sweep Loggers Behind Effertz's Strong Outing

June 25, 2011 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


MADISON, WI - The Madison Mallards capped off a three-game sweep of the La Crosse Loggers by winning 6-1 in the series finale in front of 6,750 fans at the "Duck Pond" Saturday night.

The game featured a back-and-forth pitcher's duel early, but La Crosse broke a scoreless tie in the top of the third on a two-out double by Jimmy Brennan (St. John's).

The Mallards countered with one in the fourth as Andrew Barna (Davidson) scored. The team took the lead in the sixth on an RBI hit by Trey Watkins (LSU) that scored Jordan Owen (Tennessee - Martin).

From there, it was all Mallards as strong pitching by Joel Effertz (Madison College) and a four-run seventh sealed the deal to give the Mallards their sixteenth win on the season.

Although the team scored six runs, it was all about the performance by Effertz on Saturday.

Effertz had arguably his best start as a Mallard, as he went seven innings, giving up only one run on three hits. He walked two and struck out eleven, moving to 2-0 on the season. Effertz's ERA also decreased to 1.39.

"I had my off-speed stuff working tonight," said Effertz. "The goal from the start was to attack the zone and get ahead in the count. With an effective breaking pitch, I was able to keep hitters guessing."

Saturday's start was also Effertz's last of the season, as he will join the nationally-touted University of Virginia pitching staff in the fall to resume his college career.

"This was a great team, and I want to thank everyone involved with the Mallards for the opportunity to play here," said Effertz, a Wisconsin native. "We have great coaches here, my teammates were awesome, and the support from the community is second to none."

When asked what he cherished most during his time with the Mallards, Effertz was quick to mention a good friend and teammate.

"Jake Page deserves a lot of credit," said Effertz. "He goes unnoticed a lot, and he calls a great game behind the plate. He caught every start for me, whether at Madison College or here with the Mallards. He plays hard and is a good guy. I appreciate our relationship."

Loggers' starter Zach Wright (Washington) matched Effertz through five innings. He gave up one run, albeit unearned, on three hits. He walked one and struck out seven Mallards' hitters before being lifted due to a high pitch count. Wright did not factor in the decision.

The loss went to Jake Stassi (Long Beach State), who lasted only one inning, giving up one run on three hits. His record falls to 1-1 on the season. Alex Najera (Pepperdine) and Dan Child (Oregon State) also pitched in relief for La Crosse.

Nick Sutherland (Minnesota State - Mankato) and Dan Tobik (Tennessee - Martin) pitched an inning in relief apiece. Combined, the duo gave up two hits and struck out five batters.

Besides Effertz, other notable performances by the Mallards on Saturday came from Owen, Watkins, and Michael Handel (Minnesota). Owen went two-for-three with two runs scored, Watkins drove in three runs, and Handel had two RBI himself.

The Mallards will have a well-deserved off day on Sunday and will then hit the road for a game in Wausau against the Woodchucks on Monday. Game time for the June 27th contest is 6:35 p.m.

The next home event for the Ducks will be a double-header against the Woodchucks on Tuesday, June 28th, which is a make-up of the postponed game from June 8th. Game one will start at 5:05 p.m., and game two will begin about thirty minutes after the conclusion of game one. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m., and the Duck Blind will open at 5:05 p.m. Each game will be seven innings in length.



Northwoods League Stories from June 25, 2011


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