Madison, WI – June 20, 2012. The Madison Mallards (9-12) return to the “Duck Pond” to finish their three game series with the Green Bay Bullfrogs (12-9). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
On Tuesday the Bullfrogs shutout the Mallards for a second consecutive game, winning 5-0. Bullfrogs starter Bryce Bellin (Minnesota State) got the best of Mallards starter Trevor Foss (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) in the second meeting between the two this season. Through 7.0 innings Bellin (1-2) allowed no runs on two hits with five strikeouts.
Right-hander Brandon Barker (Mercer) will be on the mound tonight for the Mallards. Barker (0-2) has averaged a little over a strikeout an inning, racking up 15 through 14.1 innings on the hill. His last start he went 5.0 innings without getting a decision, giving up two runs and five hits in the Mallards 3-2 win over the Battle Creek Bombers (9-12).
Taking the ball for the Bullfrogs will be Taylor Black (Texas State). Black (1-0) has already made one start against the Mallards this season, earning a win by giving up one run and two hits in a 4-1 June 8th win. His last start Black performed in a similar fashion to his start against the Mallards, getting the win after giving up one run and three hits in the Bullfrogs 3-1 win over the Lakeshore Chinooks (10-11).
Bullfrogs right fielder Brian Celsi (California) has been on fire as of late, hitting .467 in his last five games. Cooling off Celsi will be key to limiting the Bullfrogs offensively and keeping them off of the base paths.
Offensively the Mallards are at another level when center fielder John Welborn (Texas-San Antonio) is performing. In last weekends sweep of the Chinooks Welborn hit .428 in the series with two stolen bases. Thus far in the Mallards two losses to the Bullfrogs Welborn has yet to get a hit. A good game from him tonight could signal an offensive resurgence from the Mallards.
Up next for the Mallards is a three game set with the Chinooks, with the series beginning with two at Lakeshore.
The Mallards will return to the “Duck Pond” on Saturday June 23rd to finish their series with the Chinooks. That night will be Jani-King Air Freshener at the ballpark, featuring post-game fireworks presented by Budweiser.
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 League in North America.
