Madison, WI – June 4, 2012. The Madison Mallards (3-2) will play the first of a home and away two game series against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (2-3) at the “Duck Pond”. First pitch is schedueled for 7:05 pm.
On Sunday the Mallards dropped their first series of the season to the La Crosse Loggers by losing the rubber match of the three game weekend series 8-3.
The Loggers used the long ball in the series to get the offense going, homering in all three games. After struggling on offense to start the season, the Logger lineup exploded for 18 runs in their first two home games of the season.
Utility man Mike Reuvekamp (California) has been all over the infield for the Mallards this season. So far this season he has made appearances at catcher, third base, and second base. His flexibility has allowed manager Greg Labbe to experiment with the lineup in the early stages of the season. His .354 on base percentage against La Crosse was a bright spot for the Mallards offense.
Starting on the hill for the Mallards will be left-hander Anthony Marzi (Connecticut). He was the ace of the Huskies pitching staff in 2012, making 15 starts. Over 98.2 innings of work he posted a 2.55 ERA and allowed a .207 batting average against. In his last start of his collegiate season Marzi almost went the distance for the Huskies, throwing 8.2 innings and only allowing one run and four hits to earn the win.
On the hill for the Loggers is lefty Tommy Organ (North Florida). This season will mark Organ’s second campaign in the Northwoods League. Organ (0-1) made 15 appearances for the Rafters in 2011, pitching 53.1 innings and a team high 54 strikeouts. The southpaw was one of the top starters on his North Florida squad in 2012, making 10 starts for the Ospreys and posting a 4-2 record with a 3.86 ERA and 48 strikeouts. Tonight’s start will be his second of the season. In his first start Organ was tagged with the loss after surrendering five earned in 3.1 innings, despite racking up 11 strikeouts.
The Rafters lineup features a power-hitting right-hander in center fielder Alex Bacon (North Florida). The Tampa Bay, Florida native is currently tied for the league lead in home runs with three. His six RBIs lead the team, and will be dangerous for the Raftes offensively.
After Monday’s game the Mallards will hit the road to wrap up their series with the Rafters and then head to Green Bay to begin a three game home and away series with the Green Bay Bullfrogs.
Tongiht 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.
