Madison, WI – June 21, 2012.  The Madison Mallards (9-13) will play the first of a three game home and away series tonight at Kapco Park against the Lakeshore Chinooks (10-12).  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

The Mallards are coming off a 3-2 loss to the Green Bay Bullfrogs (13-9) on Wednesday night at the “Duck Pond.”  The Mallards managed just two runs in the three game series with the Bullfrogs, being outscored 18-2 while dropping all three games.

Trying to turn things around for the Mallards tonight will be starting pitcher Sam Forkert (Marian).  The lefty will make his first start after spending the beginning of the season in the bullpen.  He currently is 1-1 with a 1.88 ERA.  He has made eight appearances and has 14 strikeouts in 14.1 innings.  In his last appearance on June 17th, he pitched 1.0 inning and did not give up a run.

The Chinooks will look to starter Chris Cotton (LSU) to bring them out of a slump.  The Chinooks are 2-8 in their last ten games.  Cotton will make his Northwoods League debut after completing his junior season at LSU.  He compiled a 7-0 record while making 36 appearances all out of the bullpen for the Tigers.  His 1.59 ERA led the team.

The Mallards swept the Chinooks in a two game series at the “Duck Pond” on June 16th and 17th but have struggled on the road this season.  The Mallards are just 2-8 in games away from the “Duck Pond.”

The Mallards will return home on Saturday, June 23rd at 6:35 pm.  That night will be Jani-King Air Freshener Night and will also feature 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.