Madison, WI – June 13, 2008. The Madison Mallards return to the field tonight for a 7:05 p.m. showdown against the Battle Creek Bombers. Matt Jansen, who was schedule to start last night against Waterloo, will take the hill for the Mallards looking to keep his 14-inning scoreless streak alive. Tickets still remain for tonight’s game, as well as for Saturday’s series finale. Come celebrate Friday the 13th and meet Eddie Munster!
Battle Creek Bombers (4-10) at Madison Mallards (7-5)
June 13, 2008 – 7:05 p.m. (CT)
Warner Park – Madison, WI
Pitching Probables:
LHP Matt Jansen (MAD) – 2 GS, 14.0 IP, 1-0, 0.00 ERA
RHP David Luna (BC) – 1 GS, 5.0 IP, 0-0, 3.60 ERA
Mallards records:
– 0-0 vs. Battle Creek
– 2-4 at home
– 5-1 on road
– 4-2 vs. South Division
– 3-3 vs. North Division
Madison is…
– 4-1 when scoring first
– 0-2 in extra innings
– 6-0 when leading after 7 innings
– 5-1 when outhitting its opponent
– 5-0 when scoring 7+ runs
– 6-4 when allowing fewer than 7 runs
– 7-1 when making equal or fewer errors than opponent
Mallards and Waterloo Bucks rained out:
Thursday night’s game between the Madison Mallards and the Waterloo Bucks was rained out. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Sunday, which is the next time the Bucks come to town. It will be two seven-inning games. The first game will start at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday, with the second game starting 30 minutes after the completion of the first. Fans who purchased tickets for Thursday’s game can bring them to the ticket office at the “Duck Pond” to exchange them for tickets for Sunday’s doubleheader or Monday’s game.
Last time out for the Mallards: W 14-12 at Waterloo, June 11
The Mallards broke out of their recent offensive slump with a 10-hit, 14-run explosion and held off the Waterloo Bucks 14-12 at the “Duck Pond” Wednesday night in a game during which the Mallards were the visiting team. Luke Stewart (UAB) and Rob Lyerly (Charlotte) led the attack with a combined six hits and six RBIs. Stewart hit a three-run homer in the second for the first scoring of the game, and Lyerly went 4-for-4 on the night and reached base six times. He also scored three runs. The Bucks were powered by three hits by Ryan Goins and at least one hit by each starter. The Mallards were the visiting team on the scoreboard, since heavy flooding moved the series from Waterloo to Madison. Brandon Johnson (Western Carolina) earned the win for the Mallards with two innings of relief, in which he allowed two hits and one earned run. Nathan Kafka (Minnesota State) pitched the bottom of the ninth and struck out two to earn the save. Chris Pack took the loss for the Bucks, who committed five errors on the night. The Mallards ended a four-game home losing streak and improved to 7-5 on the year. The Bucks dropped to 3-8 overall.
Location and weather change for Waterloo series:
The Mallards will be at home Friday and Saturday against Battle Creek as well as Sunday and Monday for games against Waterloo that were originally scheduled to take place at Waterloo. But Waterloo’s field has become unplayable due to recent heavy rains, forcing the series to be shifted to the “Duck Pond.” Waterloo will remain the home team. Because of Thursday’s rainout against Waterloo, Sunday will be a doubleheader with the first pitch of the first game set for 1:05 p.m. The second game will follow 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first. All general admission tickets for the games are just 7 dollars, and for an unprecedented 12 dollars fans can receive a ticket and an all-you-can eat-and-drink menu option for unlimited hot dogs, brats, popcorn and soda through the fifth inning. Fans who bought tickets for Thursday’s game can redeem them at the Mallards Box Office for tickets to Sunday’s doubleheader or Monday’s game.
Mallards Musings:
-Matt Jansen (Purdue) and Bryan Earley (Lincoln Trail) have yet to allow an earned run in two starts this season. Jansen also has a relief appearance. He has pitched 14 innings and allowed just seven hits and three walks, while striking out 10. Opponents are hitting .152 against the left-hander. Earley has pitched 11 innings, allowing just four base hits and striking out 10. They are tied for the league lead with that 0.00 ERA.
-The Mallards offense has been patient at the plate to begin the season, drawing 67 walks in 12 games so far. That leads the league.
-The Mallards pitching staff has charged out of the gate to start the 2008 season, and is currently third in the league with a 2.37 ERA.
-The basepaths have been friendly to the Mallards so far this season. The team currently has an 84% success rate trying to steal (21-25).
-Mother Nature has cost the Mallards two games so far this season, both of which will be made up as parts of doubleheaders. They will play a twin-bill against Waterloo on Sunday, and will face La Crosse twice on July 21.
