Northwoods Madison Mallards

Offense Excels as Mallards Hand Express Loss in Game One

June 14, 2011 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


MADISON, WI - June 14, 2011. Offense ignited the Madison Mallards Tuesday night as they beat the Eau Claire Express 8-4 in front of 6,180 fans at Warner Park, a.k.a the "Duck Pond."

After a frustrating road series against Battle Creek that saw that Mallards score a total of three runs in their two losses to the Bombers, the team rallied behind starter Rusty Shellhorn (Texas Tech) to put up eight runs on eleven hits.

The scoring began in the second inning when Jumpy Garcia (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) belted his third home run of the season to deep left field. Garcia ended up 2-for-5 on the night with three batted-in to raise his season RBI total to ten.

Justin Scanlon (Michigan State) had three hits and increased his batting average to .483. Mike McQuillan (Iowa) also had two hits. The only Mallard to not get a hit was Justin Parr (Illinois), but Parr even reached base twice.

"It was all about approach tonight," said Mallards' hitting coach Luis Raffan. "We hit to opposite field a lot, which I am very happy about. We were patient at the plate and aggressive on the bases."

As has been the case, starting pitching could have carried the Mallards by itself. Shellhorn (1-0) went six strong innings after a shaky first frame in which he loaded the bases but allowed no runs. All-in-all, Shellhorn allowed no runs only four hits, walked two and struck out eight batters in earning the win. His ERA was lowered to an impressive 1.59 after his start. Shellhorn now leads the Northwoods League in total strikeouts with 21.

"Rusty had his change-up going for the first time this season," pitching coach Jason Olson said. "He was so effective that he threw change-ups on fastball counts and had Eau Claire guessing."

Dan Tobik (Tennessee-Martin) came in to pitch two innings in relief after Shellhorn was taken out. Tobik allowed one run on one hit, walked one and struck out two.

The Mallards led by seven going into the ninth inning, and appeared to be well on their way to a convincing victory until the defense started to falter. After two errors and three runs crossed the plate, Travis Parker (St. Louis) kept the Express at bay and closed the book on Tuesday's game.

Nolan Clark (Yavapai) and Zac Fisher (New Mexico State) each collected two hits for the Express, who fell to 8-6 and one-half game behind the Mallards in South Division. Fisher's two hits came in two at-bats after he replaced Justin Viele (Santa Clara) as the team's designated hitter in the eighth inning.

Taking the loss for Eau Claire was Matt McDaniel (San Diego State). McDaniel (1-2) pitched six innings, giving up five runs (four earned). He walked four and struck out two.

Up next at the "Duck Pond"The same two teams will battle again Wednesday as Eau Claire will look to avoid a two-game sweep. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Tomorrow is also Madison Parks Night, and the first 1,000 families will receive Bucky Books.*Please note that Wednesday's Baseball Instructional Clinic is ON as scheduled. The team will determine the field conditions beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning and will make a judgement as to whether to postpone the clinic. If the clinic is indeed postponed, the camp will take place on Thursday, June 30 from 9 a.m. until noon. Tickets received Wednesday for the camp will still be only good for Wednesday night's ballgame. For additional information please call the Mallards ticket office at 608.246.4277.

Upcoming Promotions

June 17th Friday will be the Great Dane Summertime St. Patty's Day featuring the St. Patty's Day Bonehead Bobbleheads, which will be handed out to the first 1,000 fans in attendance.

The Kissers will provide in-game entertainment.

June 18th Saturday is Organ Donation Awareness Night.

Charter Communications will also be sponsoring post-game fireworks.

June 19th Stoddard's Country Grove Market Father's Day Celebration featuring grill gloves (500 dads). Remington Products Night. Madison Children's Museum Day.

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 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." Group tickets, including hospitality areas perfect for company outings are on sale as well.



Northwoods League Stories from June 14, 2011


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