Madison, WI – June 5, 2012. The Madison Mallards (3-3) will hit the road to wrap up their two game home and away series against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (3-3). First pitch is schedueled for 7:05 pm.
On Monday the Mallards dropped the first game of the series to the Rafters in eleven innings. A triple by Rafters second baseman Pat Kelly (Nebraska) that was misplayed by center fielder Tom Lally (Central Michigan) gave teh Rafters the go ahead run in the eleventh and the win.
The game was sloppily played from both sides. Each team wasted opportunities to capitalize on offense, leaving a combined 28 runners on base. Seven errors, including a season high five for the Mallards, allowed the Rafters to steal their first road win of the season.
Last night’s designated hitter Bobby Burns (Parkland College) has been heating up in his last three games. Over that stretch the right-hander has carried a .455 average. Burns and the rest of the Mallards lineup will be looking to turn those hits into runs, as the team was only able to get three runs off of 12 hits in Monday’s loss.
The Mallards will count on right-hander Alec Mills (UT-Martin) to keep the Rafters offense at bay. In his last start Mills (0-0) was spectacular on opening night, striking out 13 batters which is tops in the league for strikeouts in a game. Over his seven innings he surrendered four hits and two runs, helping the Mallards beat Battle Creek Bombers (2-4) 6-5.
Taking the mound for the Rafters will be right-hander Cole Webb (Coffeyville CC). This will mark Webb’s (1-0) second start of the season, his last start he earned the win in a 12-3 rout of the La Crosse Loggers (3-3). Over seven innings he surrendered one earned run and allowed three hits while striking out five.
From top to bottom the Rafters may have the most balanced lineup in the South Division, their 55 hits currently lead the division. However hits haven’t always meant runs for the Rafters, so far they have only cashed in 25 RBIs. They will look to Kelly to get the offense on the board, his nine hits lead the team.
After Tuesdays game the Mallards will head to Green Bay to finish their two game road trip and begin a three game home and away series with the Green Bay Bullfrogs (3-3).
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Thursday June 7th to play games two and three of their series against Green Bay. That night will be Iceberg Awareness Night Presented by Spectrum Brands at the “Duck Pond”.
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.
