The Madison Mallards topped the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 2-1 at Witter Field on Friday in thrilling fashion. The Rafters had the game-tying run in scoring position with two out in the ninth inning when the Mallards’ Timo Schau (Southern Wesleyen) made a diving catch in centerfield to clinch the win and give the Mallards a 4-0 start to 2019.
Offensively, Justin Wiley (UAB) scored the Mallards’ first run of the night on a double steal in the fifth inning. Then, in the seventh, EJ Ranel (Lenoir-Rhyne) dropped one into the gap in left to plate the go-ahead run and give the Mallards a 2-1 lead which held on as the final.
The victory marked the 300th of Mallards’ manager Donnie Scott’s Northwoods League career.
The Mallards continue theirroad swing Saturday in Wausau, Wisconsin, against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. from Athletic Park.