The Madison Mallards have signed four right-handed pitchers and one left-handed pitcher to their 2002 squad. The right-handed pitchers include: Mark Sopko and J.J. Jackson from Arizona State, Amad Stephens from Southern Nazarene in Oklahoma, and Jason Urquidez from Central Arizona Community College. The left-hander is Phillip Martinez from El Paso Junior College.
Mark Sopko and JJ Jackson are both sophomores on a strong Arizona State pitching staff. Sopko currently has a 2-2 record and is holding opponents to a .257 batting average. A former Central Illinois Collegiate League all-star, Sopko is also tied for second on ASU in saves. Jackson currently holds a record of 3-0 and opponents are hitting .250 against him thus far this season.

Amad Stephens is a 6?0?, 225 lb junior from Southern Nazarene. He has compiled a 10-2 record this season. Jason Urquidez is a right-hander from Central Arizona College. He has dominated his opponents this season with his 1.98 ERA and 7-0 record. He has also shown superb control with a 4.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Phillip Martinez is a sophomore hurler for El Paso Community College. He has posted a record of 6-4 this season with a 4.80 ERA. He also has struck out 75 batters in 75 innings worth of work.

The Mallards 2002 season opens up with a pre-season game June 5th at 6:05 vs. the Wisconsin Woodchucks. Hall of Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins will be there to sign autographs and throw out the first pitch. The Mallards regular season home opener is Sat. June 8th at 7:05 with Former Brewer Jim Gantner in attendance & a huge fireworks show after the game. Tickets are available at the Mallards office right now.