Madison, WI – June 8, 2012. The Madison Mallards (5-4) will play the final game of a three game series and go for the sweep against the Green Bay Bullfrogs (3-6). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
The Mallards won game two of the series on Thursday 1-0 off of a stellar performance by starting pitcher Trevor Foss (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi). An RBI single by first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) that scored second baseman Luis Munoz (Coffeyville CC) gave the Mallards all the offense they would need.
Foss (1-0) had eight strikeouts in 7.0 innings on the mound, and was named the Northwoods League Pitcher of the Night. Closer John Hamilton (UNC-Charlotte) came out of the bullpen in the eighth to record a four out save, giving him his third save of the season.
Starting on the mound for the Mallards tonight is right-hander Brandon Barker (Mercer). Barker (0-1) will be looking to bounce back from his last start in which he surrendered five earned runs off of eight hits in a 10-4 loss to the La Crosse Loggers. He showed flashes of brilliance in the start, striking out six in 3.1 innings, and will be looking to string together a quality start against the Bullfrogs.
The Bullfrogs will send right-hander Taylor Black (Texas State) out to the hill to make his first start of the season. Black red-shirted his freshmen season at Texas State and has not pitched in a competetive game since the summer of 2011 when he played for the Westhampton Aviators in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League. That summer he was named to the leagues all-star team, going 4-2 with a 1.70 ERA in 42.1 innings.
Entering the series finales both teams feature first baseman who have been perfect in the field this season. Green Bay first baseman Justin Seager (UNC-Charlotte) has been flawless in his 16 putouts and two assists while the Mallards have enjoyed quality play with the glove at first base by Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) and Phil Sorenson (UT-Martin). The two have combined for 75 putouts and five assits in 11 appearances at the postition.
Entering the series finales both teams feature first baseman who have been perfect in the field this season. Green Bay first baseman Justin Seager (UNC-Charlotte) has been flawless in his 16 putouts and two assists while the Mallards have enjoyed quality play with the glove at first base by Zimmerman and Phil Sorenson (UT-Martin). The two have combined for 75 putouts and five assists in 11 appearances at the position.
After driving in last nights only run Zimmerman will be key in returning the Mallards offense to form. The RBI was his first since a 7-1 win over the Battle Creek Bombers (4-5) on May 31st and could be a sign of things to come.
With Foss being named the Northwoos League Pitcher of the Night that makes two nights in a row that a Mallards pitcher has received the honor, Matt LaMothe was recognized after his performance in the Mallards 2-1 win over the Bullfrogs on Wednesday. The two join pitcher Alec Mills who also was named Northwoods League Pitcher of the Night after his 13 strikeout start in a 6-5 opening night win over the Bombers.
After finishing their series with the Bullfrogs tonight the Mallards will embark on a four game road trip to take on the Eau Claire Express (4-5) and the Wisconsin Woodchucks (5-4). The team returns to the “Duck Pond” on Wednesday June 13th to take on the Bombers. That night will be The Payroll Company Police Appreciation Night at the ballpark featuring Erik Estrada from the hit TB show ChiPs.
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.
