Northwoods Madison Mallards

Theunissen's Late Heroics Get Mallards Past Bullfrogs

Published on June 30, 2011 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


MADISON, WI - June 30, 2011. The Madison Mallards defeated the Green Bay Bullfrogs 3-2 in front of 6,471 fans at the "Duck Pond." on Thursday night.

The game was a great pitcher's duel from the very beginning and ended up being one of the most exciting games for the Mallards this season.

As they did a night ago, Green Bay scored first after they loaded the bases on three walks. Steven Halcomb (Gonzaga) drove in Joe Betcher (UIC) on a one-out fielder's choice, and the Bullfrogs would leave the bases loaded after that.

Pitching was dominant, as no team was able to produce runs in until the sixth inning, despite some offensive threats in the middle stages of the game.

The Mallards would score the next run on a "suicide squeeze" bunt from Justin Scanlon (Michigan State) that scored Tyler Jones (Long Island) from third base. Scanlon was also safe at first on the play. Green Bay scored one more time in the eighth on a solo home run by Paul Hoenecke (Wisconsin - Milwaukee), and took a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth.

Justin Parr (Illinois) hit a two-out double down the left field line to get into scoring position. After Jones recorded the second out of the inning, Nate Theunissen (Central Michigan) blasted a two-run home run that skied over the Great Dane Duck Blind in right field, giving the Mallards their first lead of the game at 3-2.

"Justin did a good job getting on base and I was looking for anything to just get him in," said Theunissen. "I was ahead 3-1 in the count and was sitting fastball, but I got a hanging slider instead and did what I could with it."

The game ended after Matt Milroy (Illinois) came in and shut down Green Bay in order, earning his second save of the season."This was a good win for us," Theunissen added. "We needed a boost and to have some fun out there tonight, and that's exactly what we did."

Both starting pitchers were phenomenal Thursday.

Mallards' starter Jerad Grundy (Heartland Community College) had his best outing of the season in his final appearance with the team. He pitched five innings, gave up only two hits and one unearned run in the process. Grundy also walked four and struck out one in 80 total pitches thrown. He did not factor in the decision.

Tim Giel (Columbia) was also impressive on the mound. The right-handed pitcher for the Bullfrogs pitched six innings of one-run ball, walked two, and struck out four. He lowered his ERA to 1.51 on the season.

Zach White (Wake Forest) got the win for Madison. White (2-0) pitched 1.1 innings and was able to get the win despite giving up the home run to Hoenecke in the eighth. Dan Tobik (Tennessee-Martin) also saw action on the mound for the Mallards.

The loss was taken by John Colella (Holy Cross). Colella retired only one batter in the eighth and surrendered the game-winning home run to Theunissen. He falls to 1-1 on the season.

The Mallards and the Bullfrogs will both travel to Green Bay Friday for a 7:05 p.m. game at Johannes Stadium. The game will be the finale of the three-game set and will also be the final time the contenders will see each other in the first half of the season. Next Home Game The Mallards will return to the "Duck Pond" after Friday's game against the Bullfrogs to start a twogame set with the Battle Creek Bombers on Saturday, July 2. The game will start at 5:05 p.m. Scoreboard Watch With a three-way tie between Madison, Green Bay, and Eau Claire for first in the South Division heading into Thursday's action, the Mallards' game against Green Bay was certainly one of great significance. Eau Claire was also in Battle Creek to take on the Bombers, who were only one game back heading into their game.

Battle Creek defeated Eau Claire 4-1 at C.O. Brown Stadium, which means that the Mallards are now in sole-possession of first place by one game over the Bullfrogs, the Express, and the Bombers.

Eau Claire and Battle Creek will play once more in Michigan on Friday at 7:05 p.m.Upcoming Promotions at the "Duck Pond" Saturday, July 2nd (vs. Battle Creek, 5:05 p.m.) Rhythm & Booms Night.

The Diamond Center Date Night at the Duck Pond: 50 dating couples will receive two free Great Dane Duck Blind passes courtesy of The Diamond Center. To register to win, visit The Diamond Center in Madison or Janesville.

Post-fireworks movie on the Pepsi Max Video Board.

Sunday, July 3rd (vs. Battle Creek, 5:05 p.m.)

Jani-King Plunger Night (First 500 fans).

Dog day at the ballpark, all four-legged canine friends are welcome.

Military Appreciation 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 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.

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Northwoods League Stories from June 30, 2011


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