The Madison Mallards (7-0) defeated the Lakeshore Chinooks (1-6) at the Duck Pond 5-1 for their seventh consecutive win. This is the first time in franchise history the Mallards have obtained seven straight wins to open the season.
The Mallards started off hot in the bottom of the first, putting batters on base with a walk and two singles to grab a quick 1-0 lead.
However, it was another explosive inning late in the game was crucial for the Mallards success. The bottom of the seventh inning began with two free passes to put men on first and second. Justin Wiley (Alabama-Birmingham) came in clutch with a bunt to load the bases with no outs. The Chinooks starting pitcher Brandon Komar (Madison College) helped the Mallards achieve a 2-0 lead after walking E.J. Ranel (Lenoir- Rhyne). Ranel earned his seventh RBI, followed by two more runs scored on a sac fly from Ben Anderson (Georgia) to bring the score up 4-0.
The Chinooks responded in the top of the eighth with a run to make the game 4-1, but that was no match for the Mallards offense. Scoring one more in the eighth, the Mallards achieved a 5-1 lead to stop the Chinooks.
The Mallards and Chinooks close out their series tomorrow night at Kapco Park in Mequon, Wisconsin. First pitch is scheduled for 11:35 a.m.