Madison, WI – June 18, 2008. Now tied for second and just three games back of first in the South Division, the Mallards will try for their seventh win in eight games tonight at the “Duck Pond.” The Mallards will send left-hander Matt Jansen and his 0.90 ERA to the mound tonight to face off against Express right-hander Chris Odegaard. Great seats still remain for tonight’s game. Please click on the news tab for more information about tonight’s game.

Eau Claire Express (7-12) at Madison Mallards (12-6)
June 18, 2008 – 7:05 p.m. (CT)
Warner Park – Madison, WI

Pitching Probables:
LHP Matt Jansen (MAD) – 3 GS, 20.0 IP, 2-0, 0.90 ERA
RHP Chris Odegaard (EC) – 3 GS, 17.2 IP, 1-1, 2.55 ERA

Mallards records:
– 1-0 vs. Eau Claire
– 5-4 at home
– 7-2 on road
– 9-3 vs. South Division
– 3-3 vs. North Division

Madison is…
– 8-2 when scoring first
– 0-2 in extra innings
– 4-2 in one-run games
– 9-1 when leading after 7 innings
– 7-1 when outhitting its opponent
– 7-0 when scoring 7+ runs
– 11-5 when allowing fewer than 7 runs
– 10-1 when making equal or fewer errors than opponent
– 10-2 when wearing red jerseys
– 2-4 when wearing white jerseys

Last time out for the Mallards: W 4-3 vs. Eau Claire, June 17
The Mallards jumped out to an early lead against the Eau Claire Express and the bullpen held on to save a 4-3 Mallards win in front of 5,443 at the “Duck Pond.” Kyle Barry (MATC) worked six strong innings to earn the win and improve to 3-0 on the year. He allowed four hits and one earned run. Luke Stewart (UAB) delivered the decisive blow, a 3-run home run to right to give the Mallards a 4-0 lead in the fourth, and Andy Deain (Northern Illinois) and Alex Rivers (Santa Clara) pitched the final three innings to keep the Mallards lead intact. The win moves the Mallards to 12-6 overall and puts them in a tie with La Crosse for second place in the South Division, three games behind division-leading Wisconsin.

Mallards Musings:
-Rob Lyerly (Charlotte) continues his hot hitting. In 10 games he is hitting a team-high .351 (13-37) with a home run, nine RBIs, nine runs scored and an on-base percentage of .415. He is currently on a seven-game hitting streak.
-Matt Jansen (Purdue) continues to pitch well and make a strong case for mid-season all-star honors. In 20 innings pitched over three starts and a relief appearance he has allowed just two earned runs (0.90 ERA). He is 2-0 on the season, and opponents are hitting just .209 against the left-hander.
-Luke Stewart’s third home run of the season on June 17 against Eau Claire puts him in a tie for the most home runs in the league.
-The Mallards offense has been patient at the plate to begin the season, drawing 86 walks in 18 games so far. That ranks third in the Northwoods League.
-The Mallards pitching staff has been stellar so far and is currently fourth in the league with a 2.55 ERA.
-The basepaths have been friendly to the Mallards so far this season. The team currently has an 82% success rate trying to steal (27-33).
-The Mallards will play a their second twin-bill of the season at La Crosse on July 21 to make up for a game that was rained out.