By Jonah Braun

After winning their first game of the season Friday night, the Mallards will head to Brainerd to take on the Lunkers at Stewart C. Mills Field at 7:05 p.m.

Matt Morgan (Purdue), one of the last unused pitchers by manager C.J. Thieleke, will take the mound for the Mallards, who are looking to win their second consecutive game. Nick Chmielewski (Illinois), who joined the team during the road trip, has also not pitched so far for the Mallards

This past spring for Purdue, Morgan led the Boilermakers with a 4.75 ERA to go along with a 6-5 record. He was also second on the team in strikeouts (61) and second on the team in innings pitched (77.2).

Brainerd will counter with freshman Brad Mergen, a southpaw out of Indian Hills Community College (Iowa). Mergen led the Falcons with 64 strikeouts in a team-high 59.2 innings pitched on the season. He will look to hand the Mallards their second loss of the season.

However, if the Mallards’ offense is as effective as it was last night, Mergen may find himself behind in the game. Friday against the Beetles, third baseman Troy Channing (St. Mary’s) led the way offensively, ripping a three-run double into right field to give the Mallards a lead they wouldn’t relinquish — they scored seven runs on the day.

Tonight’s game is the first of a two game set with Brainerd before the Mallards return to Madison for their 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 and fans can meet US Airways hero pilot and Oregon, Wis. native Jeff Skiles! Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. To purchase tickets for Opening Day please click here or call us at 608.246.4277.