The Mallards continue their second half of the most recent road trip Thursday, as they begin a two-game series with the Duluth Huskies. The Mallards split with Rochester Wednesday in perfect fashion by winning 5-4, coming back from four runs down.
Madison has lost six of their last 10 and take on a Duluth team that snapped a three-game losing streak to Mankato last night. The Huskies have won five of their last 10 and sit a game and a half back of St. Cloud in the North Division standings.
It will be a tough test for the Mallards, as the Huskies will be making a run for St. Cloud as the first half of the 2007 season is nearing an end.
Left-hander Michael Hutts (1-2) is making his fourth start of the season and looks to get back on track after a rough showing at Green Bay on June 21. That evening, Hutts allowed four earned runs on nine hits including a home run in four innings pitched — Green Bay won the ballgame 8-5.
Right-hander Tim Clubb (1-2) takes the hill for Duluth and recently has not faired much better. Clubb enters tonight with a 4.66 ERA and has allowed the most earned runs and hits on the Duluth pitching staff this season — 15 ER and 30 hits.
Hopefully this will give the Mallards a chance to improve on a team batting average that ranks 12th in the NWL at .232. In eight games this season, Evan LeBlanc has hit .348 (8-for-23) with five runs scored and a run batted in. Mallards veteran Jordan Comadena has been coming around as of late, batting .296 (8-for-27) with three RBIs in his last 10 games. First baseman Neil Medchill remains productive, as he enters tonight batting .333 with runners in scoring position, and outfielder Adam Pasono is hitting .417 (5-12) in his last five games along with a .429 average with runners on base.
Duluth will counter with a few impact hitters itself. Joey Bonadonna leads Duluth in hits with 28 and runs batted in at 11 — his 21 stolen bases leads the Northwoods League. Logan Gelbrich is batting .292 with seven runs batted in. Gelbrich went 2-for-4 with a double in the two-game series against Mankato. In addition to Bonadonna’s speed on the base path, Chris House will be another weapon to watch, as he enters tonight fourth in the NWL with 12 stolen bases.
The Mallards look to get back to .500 before the All-Star Break, as Duluth will chase for a North Division championship with the end of June approaching.
The Mallards return home this weekend for a two-game series against division rival La Crosse. Saturday is Rhythm & Booms along with Meriter & Physicians Plus Insurance Kick Ball Night.
Mallards Kick Balls will be given to the first 1,000 kids 14 & under. Kids can enjoy a kick ball game on the field after the game! The movie “Angels in the Outfield” will be featured after the Big Fireworks Show, presented by Life Style Staffing.
Sunday is St. Mary’s Hospital Madison Blues Turn-Back-the-Clock-Night. Mallards will wear replica 1930’s style Madison Blues Uniforms, and the first 500 kids and the first 500 seniors will receive a replica Blues hat.
Live Blues music pre- & post-game with Westside Andy will be featured. Remember, admission is free for everyone over the age of 60 and Pepsi Baseball Gloves for the first 1,000 kids 14 & under!
