The Madison Mallards (14-4) earned their third consecutive win after defeating cross state rival, the Wisconsin Woodchucks (10-9), 5-3. Madison’s steady pitching and dominant offense prevented the Woodchucks from escaping with the win.
The first two innings were silent as neither team put any runs on the board. In the bottom of the third, the Mallards began to make some noise, taking a 2-0 lead off of RBIs by Justice Bigbie (Western Carolina) and Timo Schau (Southern Wesleyan).
Responding with three runs in the top of the fourth, the Woodchucks grabbed a quick 3-2 lead after a dropped called strike and Brandon Seltzer (Palm Beach Atlantic) scored and a two-run home run by Byron Murray (Lynn University). The Mallards responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning powered by an RBI double from Nick Gile (Madison College), who later came in to score on a wild pitch, which opened up a 5-3 lead.
Eliot Turnquist (Madison College) gave a stellar performance for his second start, he earned seven strikeouts through five innings. At the beginning of the sixth, Turnquist exited the mound after being hit with a sharp line drive up the middle, bringing in the Brian Weissert (Fordham) for the Mallards.
Weissert, Leon Davidson (North Carolina A&T) and Theo Denlinger (Bradley) locked up the win after dominating through the Woodchucks lineup.
Starting pitcher for the Woodchucks JC Ariza (Howard CC) was awarded the loss after giving up five hits.
Tomorrow the two teams return to the Duck Pond to close out the series. The evening includes post-game fireworks, presented by Zimbrick Honda. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. Gates open at 5:05 p.m.