MADISON (PRESS RELEASE)- The Wisconsin Woodchucks (1-2, 19-19) were backed by strong pitching today as they defeated the Madison Mallards (2-1, 29-17) in Madison 7-3. The Woodchucks led for most of the game and controlled Madison's strong offense with solid lefthanded pitching.
A night after the ‘Chucks pitchers were battered for 16 run and 19 hits, WAC Pitcher of the Year Brock Stassi (1-0) got the start in front of 6,343 Mallards fans. The coaching staff called on Stassi for his composure in front of a crowd, and they got a strong start from the experienced lefty with 6 innings, 2 earned runs allowed, and three strikeouts. The start earned Stassi his first win of the season.
The Woodchucks fell behind 1-0 early, before tying the game 1-1 on a Kevin Pillar groundout. Again down 2-1, the Woodchucks rallied for two in the third when Grant Dozar doubled, advanced on an error, and scored on a wild pitch. The ‘Chucks were frequently helped by Mallards defensive miscues, as Madison committed 4 errors, and 3 of the Woodchucks' 7 runs were unearned.
The Woodchucks sent Mallard starter Tyler Jones (2-4) packing in the fifth when the first 4 hitters reached base and the Woodchucks scored 3 runs to lead 6-2. Dozar scored again in the inning and drove in a run. Dozar finished 2-4 with 3 runs scored and the RBI. Rob Lind scored in the inning as well, and he finished with 3 hits and 2 runs scored.
The Mallards added one in the fifth off Stassi, and the Woodchucks added one in the seventh off reliever Grant Gordon (2-1), but didn't need it, as Mitchell Beacom (0-0) entered in the bottom of the seventh to protect Stassi's 7-3 lead. Beacom allowed just one bunt-hit in three scoreless innings, struck out two, and earned his first save of the season.
The Woodchucks play again tomorrow night in Battle Creek as the start a two game series at C.O. Brown Stadium with the Bombers. First pitch in Monday night's game is 6:05 CST. Don Lisi (3-2) will start for the Woodchucks, and the game can be heard on Fox Sports 1390.
Courtesy: Wisconsin Woodchucks
