Madison, WI – June 24, 2012. The Madison Mallards (10-15) will welcome the Eau Claire Express (8-16) to the “Duck Pond” for the first time this season as part of a quick one game set. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 pm.
On Saturday the Mallards lost the rubber match of their three game series with the Lakeshore Chinooks (12-13) by the score of 11-5. Chinooks right fielder Bre Kimbell (Louisiana Tech) wreaked havoc on Mallards pitchers, going 3-5 with seven RBIs including a three run homer in the first inning off of Mallards starter Kurt Giller (Oral Roberts).
Right-hander Matt LaMothe (Georgia State) will get the start for the Mallards. His last time out LaMothe (2-2) took the loss in the Mallards 8-0 defeat to the Green Bay Bullfrogs (15-10), giving up five runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings. The right-hander has shown exceptional command so far this season, racking up 28 strikeouts which is fifth in the Northwoods League.
On the hill for the Express is lefty Andrew Hedrick (Iowa). Hedrick (1-1) got a no decision his last start, surrendering one run on three hits in the Express 5-4 loss to the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (13-11). Through four starts the lefty has been tough to generate offense against, carrying a 1.71 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.
In yesterday’s loss Mallards fans were able to find solace in the fact that outfielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) hit his first home run of the season. The three run shot was a deep homer to right and showcased the lefty’s power for the first time this season. His freshmen season at Virginia Fisher was the cleanup hitter on a quality Cavalier squad, and will be key for the Mallards post-season chase.
Up next for the Mallards is a road game that begins a three game series with the Wisconsin Woodchucks (12-13).
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Tuesday June 26th to play the second game of their three game series with the Woodchucks. That night will Zombie Night at the ballpark.
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.
