Madison, WI – June 3, 2012. The Madison Mallards (3-1) will play the rubber match of a three game weekend series against the La Crosse Loggers (2-2). First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 pm.
Last night the Loggers evened up the series with a 10-4 win, giving the Mallards their first taste of defeat this season.
The Loggers scored in bunches, putting up three runs in the third and eighth innings and four runs in the fourth inning. The knockout blow came in the eighth when Logger catcher Tyler Servais (Princeton) hit a three run home run, making the score 10-2.
Designated hitter Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) will be the key to keeping the Mallards offense productive tonight, his five RBIs lead the team. The lefty has had an exceptional eye, his five walks also lead the team and are tied for third in the league.
Looking to get the Mallards pitching staff back on track will be left-hander Cody Forsythe (Southern Illinois). Forsythe was the ace of the Southern Illinois pitching staff, starting 14 games for the Salukis in 2012. In 93.2 innings of work he had a 4-4 record with a 2.79 ERA and 73 strikeouts.
The Mallards will face their first left-handed starter of the season in Logger pitcher Jordan Haseltine (University of San Francisco). Haseltine appeared in six games in his 2012 collegiate season, compiling a 0-2 record with a 12.71 ERA. In total he recorded seven strikeouts in his 5.2 innings of work.
After his three run homer last night Servais will be looking to do more damage for the Loggers tonight. So far this season he is hitting .294 with five RBIs and the lone home run, and will be dangerous in the cleanup spot for the Loggers.
The Mallards will conclude their two game road trip to La Crosse tonight as they finish their three game series against the Loggers. They return to the “Duck Pond” tomorrow to square off against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. That night will be Charter Communications Swamp People Night at the ballpark, Mallards fans will have the opportunity to meet Bruce Mitchell from the hit TV show.
The 2012 season is upon us! Single-game tickets are on-sale for all Mallards home games!
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.
