Madison, WI – June 15, 2008. Fresh off a series sweep against Battle Creek, the Mallards are back in action this afternoon for a Father’s Day double-dip against the Waterloo Bucks. Bryan Earley (Lincoln Trail) will take the mound in game one for his third start of the year, and Gabriel Shaw (Louisville) makes his second start as a Mallard in game two. The first game of the doubleheader starts at 1:05 p.m., and both games will be seven-inning contests.
Madison Mallards (9-5) at Waterloo Bucks (3-9) – doubleheader
June 15, 2008 – 1:05 p.m. (CT), second game 30 minutes following first game
Warner Park – Madison, WI
Pitching Probables (Game 1):
RHP Bryan Earley (MAD) – 2 GS, 11.1 IP, 1-1, 0.00 ERA
LHP Josh Rickards (WAT) – 2 GS, 8.0 IP, 0-1, 10.13 ERA
Pitching Probables (Game 2):
RHP Gabriel Shaw (MAD) – 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 0-0, 0.00 ERA
RHP Chris Pack (WAT) – 0 GS, 6.1 IP, 2-1, 4.26 ERA
Mallards records:
– 1-0 vs. Waterloo
– 4-4 at home
– 5-1 on road
– 6-2 vs. South Division
– 3-3 vs. North Division
Madison is…
– 6-1 when scoring first
– 0-2 in extra innings
– 8-0 when leading after 7 innings
– 6-1 when outhitting its opponent
– 7-0 when scoring 7+ runs
– 8-4 when allowing fewer than 7 runs
– 9-1 when making equal or fewer errors than opponent
– 8-1 when wearing red jerseys
– 1-4 when wearing white jerseys
Location and weather change for Waterloo series:
The Mallards will be home this afternoon 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, today 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.
Last time out for the Mallards: W 7-3 vs. Battle Creek, June 14
The Mallards were firing on all cylinders in the series finale against Battle Creek, and earned the sweep with a 7-3 victory in front of a season-high 6,441 fans at the “Duck Pond.” Scott Heitshusen (Kansas) improved to 2-0 on the year with the win, a six-inning outing in which he allowed just two hits and one earned run while striking out nine. Rob Lyerly (Charlotte) continued his torrid hitting with a 1-for-3 effort and a run scored. He reached base three times. The victory moves the Mallards to 9-5 on the season, ahead of a visit by the recently-homeless Waterloo Bucks.
Mallards Musings:
-Rob Lyerly has been on a tear since arriving in Madison. In six games he is hitting .409 (9-22) with seven RBIs, five runs scored and an on-base percentage of .500.
-After 11.1 innings pitched in two starts Bryan Earley has yet to allow an earned run. He has struck out 10 and walked five.
-The Mallards offense has been patient at the plate to begin the season, drawing 74 walks in 14 games so far. That checks in second in the Northwoods League.
-The Mallards pitching staff has charged out of the gate to start the 2008 season, and is currently second in the league with a 2.32 ERA.
-The basepaths have been friendly to the Mallards so far this season. The team currently has an 86% success rate trying to steal (25-29).
-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 this afternoon, and will face La Crosse twice on July 21.
