Madison Fights Off Elimination at Great Lakes Regional
The Madison Impact lived to see another day at the American Legion Great Lakes Regional with a 12-4 win over Danville on Thursday morning.
The Impact used three big innings to bury the Illinois state champions in the first elimination game of the tournament.
Madison fell behind in the bottom of the first inning when Danville plated two runs. Noah Nelson hit a two RBI single to give his club an early lead.
The Impact rallied in the top of the second for four runs to take the lead. Mike Brekke Jr. hit an RBI single and Logan Michaels had an RBI triple for Madison. Two more runs scored on a fielder’s choice.
Madison added four more runs in the fourth inning. Bryce Hanson, Jack Maastricht and Garrett McGraw all had RBI singles in the frame, while Michaels added a sacrifice fly.
The seventh inning saw the end of Madison’s offense. They plated four runs for the third time in the game, powered by a three RBI double by Michaels and an RBI single by Hanson.
Danville scored lone runs in the bottom of the seventh and eighth innings, but it wasn’t enough to take down the Impact.
It was a day to remember for several Madison players. Michaels finished with five RBIs to lead the offense, while Brekke had four hits and Hanson went 2-for-3 with three RBIs.
McGraw pitched seven innings to earn the win for the Impact. He allowed four runs on three hits and six walks, while striking out six. Weston Knutson pitched two scoreless innings of relief.
Madison (34-4) will face either Beloit or Metro East (Ill.) in another elimination game at 4 p.m. on Friday.
