Mallards Sweep Doubleheader, Dominate Rivets

The Madison Mallards baseball team put on an impressive display of offensive firepower and pitching prowess, sweeping a doubleheader against the Rockford Rivets on Thursday. The Mallards' bats came alive in both games, as they cruised to decisive victories and showcased their depth and versatility as a squad.

Mallards Flex Their Muscles in Dominant Doubleheader Sweep

Game 1: Mallards Offense Explodes, Pitching Shuts Down Rivets

The Mallards wasted no time in setting the tone for the doubleheader, as Davis Hamilton (North Dakota State) blasted a solo home run in the top of the first inning to give Madison an early 1-0 lead. The Mallards' offense then erupted in the second inning, scoring seven runs to take complete control of the game. Alex Harrell (Arkansas State – Mountain Home), Jake Schaffner (North Dakota State), and Frankie Carney (UC Irvine) all contributed RBI hits in the frame, while the Rivets' defense also aided the Mallards' rally with a pair of errors.On the mound, Jackson Malouf (College of New Jersey) was dominant, tossing five shutout innings in his first start of the season. The Mallards' offense continued to cruise, with six different hitters recording multiple hits in the game. The Rivets were unable to muster any offense, as the Mallards' pitching staff held them scoreless throughout the contest. The final score was a resounding 13-0 victory for the Mallards.

Game 2: Mallards Withstand Rivets' Late Comeback Attempt

The Mallards picked up where they left off in the second game, scoring two runs in the first inning on RBI hits from Justin Best (Florida State) and Korbyn Dickerson (Louisville). Rockford was able to tie the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the second inning, but the Mallards' offense continued to apply pressure, regaining the lead in the fourth on an RBI single by Connor Capece (Creighton) and then extending it to 5-2 in the fifth on a two-run double by Charlie Marion (Madison College).The Rivets made a late push, cutting the deficit to 8-6 in the bottom of the ninth on a three-run double by Tony Konopiots (West Virginia) and a run scored by Konopiots himself. However, the Mallards' bullpen held firm, and the team secured the doubleheader sweep with an 8-6 victory.

Mallards Showcase Depth and Resilience

The Mallards' dominant performance in the doubleheader showcased the team's depth and versatility. Multiple players contributed offensively, with six different hitters recording multiple hits in the first game and the offense spreading the production across the lineup in the second game. The pitching staff also delivered, with Malouf's strong start in the opener and the bullpen's ability to hold off the Rivets' late comeback attempt in the second game.The Mallards' ability to win both games convincingly, despite the Rivets' efforts to mount a comeback in the second game, demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to respond to adversity. This doubleheader sweep not only solidifies the Mallards' position in the standings but also serves as a testament to the team's overall strength and potential for continued success throughout the season.