May 31, 2012 – Madison, WI. The Madison Mallards will wrap up their two game series at the “Duck Pond” against the Battle Creek Bombers tonight at 7:05 pm. The game will feature a pitching matchup between two right-handers in the Mallards’ Matt LaMothe (Georgia College and State) and the Bombers’ Kyle Teague (Grand Valley State).
After a back and forth 6-5 opening night win against the Bombers last night the Mallards will look to start the season off with a sweep of the series by winning tonight.
The Mallards were able to secure the win off of a phenomenal performance by starting pitcher Alec Mills, in 7.0 innings he had 13 strikeouts and only surrendered two runs.
Offensively the Mallards will look to right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida) and last night’s designated hitter Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) to ge the offense rolling. Zimmerman had 3 RBIs in the season opener, while Marincov had a home run, two RBIs, and scored the game winning run in the bottom of the eighth.
Starting for the Mallards tonight will be LaMothe, who is the only player on the 2012 roster to have played for the Mallards before. In 2010 he made 10 starts for the Mallards, compiling a 2.67 ERA and 55 strikeouts which was good enough to earn him a spot on the 2010 South Division All-Star team. During the 2012 collegiate season LaMothe was used primarily as a reliever, making 21 appearances. His 2.70 ERA led the Georgia College and State pitching staff.
On the hill for the Bombers is the right-hander Teague. His start against the Mallards will be his first time pitching competetively since 2011 when he was with Valdosta State. Teague had to sit out his 2012 collegiate season due to NCAA transfer rules after he left Valdosta for Grand Valley. This season marks his second stint in the Northwoods League. In 2010 he pitched for the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers, starting 10 games and posting a 2.57 ERA and 66 strikeouts. His quality season on the mound that year earned him a spot on the 2010 North Division All-Star team.
Looking to rebound from last night’s game will be Bomber center fielder Daniel Rockett (Texas-San Antonio). The leadoff hitter in his second season with team struck out four times in five at-bats last night. The Mallards will also have to look out for Bomber first baseman Jeremy Shay (Bowling Green), who drove in two RBIs last night.
Tonight’s game will be the second of a three game home stand for the Mallards. The team will conclude the home stand tomorrow in the opener of a three game weekend series against the La Crosse Loggers.
The 2012 season is upon us! Single-game tickets are on-sale for all Mallards home games!
The Mallards will host the Battle Creek Bombers tonight at 7:05 pm at the “Duck Pond.” Fans take advantage of the teams opening series special, for $20 will receive two field box tickets, two hot dogs, and two sodas. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at 608-316-DUCK, or in-person at the “Duck Pond” ticket office.
The Madison Mallards are part of the 16-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America.
