Northwoods Madison Mallards

Theunissen's record-tying night gets Mallards past Express

Published on July 22, 2011 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


MADISON, WI - The Madison Mallards defeated the Eau Claire Express Friday night in front of the sellout crowd of 6,750 fans at the "Duck Pond." The Mallards won behind early offensive strikes by Nate Theunissen (Central Michigan), as the All-Star slugged two home runs and drove in five. The game had a good vibe from the beginning for the Mallards as starting pitcher Estevan Uriegas (Texas A&M) corralled two strikeouts in the top of the first against the Express.

In the following half inning, the Mallards offense broke out with three leadoff singles by Mike McQuillan (Iowa), Justin Scanlon (Michigan State), and Matt Juengel (Texas A&M) to load the bases. Theunissen followed with a grand slam to deep left field to give the Mallards a 4-0 lead with no outs. The grand slam was the first of the season for the Mallards.

Theunissen was far from done after that.

In inning number five, the Mallards' first baseman belted his second home run of the season. The round-tripper was Theunissen's ninth of the season, tying the Mallards' single-season record held by Harold Riggins ('09, NC State) and Kyle Gaedele ('10, Valparaiso). It also was the final run scored by the Mallards in the game. In the three games since the All-Star break, Theunissen has hit three home runs.

"I have been getting pitches to handle," said Theunissen after the game. "It's more of a focus thing too. After the off day on Tuesday, I feel like I'm able to do what I need to."

Scanlon and Theunissen were the only Mallards to tally multiple hits, but four other members of the offense also got hits. Andrew Wasmund (Madison College) was the only other Mallard to have an RBI, as he drove in Willie Argo (Illinois) with a single in the third. The team also had six stolen bases, led by Argo and Matt Mirabal (Illinois State), who each had two.

Uriegas went six strong innings, picking up the win and improving to 2-1 on the season. He allowed one run on only three hits, had three walks, and struck out five. Jonathan Crawford (Florida) and Dan Tobik (Tennessee - Martin) each pitched in relief to help secure the victory.

The loss went to Express starter Brad Goldberg (Ohio State). Goldberg went only four innings and gave up all seven runs (six earned), dropping to 1-1 this season.

Eau Claire was led by Zac Fisher (New Mexico State), who went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Parker Hipp (New Mexico State) and Alex Allbritton (New Mexico) had the other two hits for the Express.

The Mallards will face off with Eau Claire Saturday in a 6:05 p.m. start. Nick Sutherland (Minnesota State - Mankato) will toe the rubber for Madison against Tony Vocca (Yavapai).

The Mallards will also be hosting their second-annual garage sale on Saturday. The garage sale will be taking place inside the Sports Impressions Team Green Store and in the Diamond Center Courtyard.

Old signage and ballpark memorabilia featuring the original Mallards logo will be on-sale along with additional items for fans to enjoy. The garage sale will begin at 4:30 p.m. when the gates open and will close for the day once the game ends.

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Northwoods League Stories from July 22, 2011


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