By Jonah Braun
After falling 4-3 to Alexandria in their season opener Thursday, the Mallards look to get back on track as they take on the Beetles again tonight at Knute Nelson Park at 7:05.
On Thursday, Mallards starting pitcher Matt Jansen (Purdue) began the game controlling the strike zone, allowing only one run through the first four innings. However, a rough fifth inning led to three more runs, giving the Beetles just enough to beat out the Mallards in the opener.
Tonight, the Mallards will send out sophomore Cody Winiarski (MATC) to try for the team’s first win of the season. Winiarski was impressive for the Wolfpack this past spring, going 6-1 and posting a team-best 1.94 ERA in 13 appearances. He also had pinpoint control of the strike zone, striking out 44 batters while only walking 14.
The Mallards will also be concerned with their hitting after scoring only three runs on nine hits. Center fielder Kurtis Muller (Iowa) and second baseman Adam McClain (Memphis) had two hits apiece, accounting for two of the Mallards’ three runs. However, the Mallards’ three-four-five hitters went only 3-for-11 with one RBI coming on a Troy Channing (St. Mary’s) sacrifice fly.
Yesterday, Beetles starter Mitch Handley (North Alabama) pitched 4.2 innings, giving up three runs, and strong relief performances from four different Alexandria pitchers helped give the Beetles the win.
Tonight, Matt Fyffe (Eastern Kentucky) will start for the Beetles, looking to complete a two game sweep of Madison. In 19 appearances for the Colonels, Fyffe went 4-5 with an 8.16 ERA. He also was second on the team with 60.2 innings pitched, and led the Colonels with 53 strikeouts.
Following their game against Alexandria, the Mallards will stay on the road for a two game set with the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers. On Monday, June 1, they return to Madison for the home opener against Rochester.
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The Mallards Charter Communications Opening Day presented by Signature Graphics is Monday, June 1 at 7:05 p.m. against the Rochester Honkers! All fans will receive a poster schedule & fans 18 & older will have the chance to win great cash prizes courtesy of the Wisconsin Lottery. To boot, former Milwaukee Brave All-Star Johnny Logan will be in attendance to sign autographs! Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. To buy tickets for opening day, click here!
