Madison, WI – June 27, 2012. The Madison Mallards (12-16) will play the finale of a three game series against the Wisconsin Woodchucks (13-14) tonight at the “Duck Pond”. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
On Tuesday the Mallards used a couple of two run homers by first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) and third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia) to power themselves to a 7-2 win over the Woodchucks. A strong effort on the mound by Mallards starter Brandon Barker (Mercer), in which he gave up one run on five hits, allowed the right-hander to pick up his first win of the season.
Mallards reliever Hobie McClain (New Mexico) had his best outing of the season to secure his first save as a Mallard. Through 3.0 innings of relief, the right-hander kept the Woodchucks off the scoreboard and without a hit.
Lefty Sam Forkert (Marian) will be on the hill tonight for the Mallards, making his second start of the season. In his first start Forkert (1-2) allowed three runs in 4.0 innings of work, taking the loss in the Mallards 6-4 defeat to the Lakeshore Chinooks (13-14). Used mostly out of the bullpen this season, he has been stellar, carrying a 2.95 ERA.
Starting for the Woodchucks is right-hander Pascal Paul (Iowa Western). His last start Paul (0-1) was roughed up to the tune of eight runs on five hits. However, none of the runs were earned, allowing Paul to come into tonight’s matchup with a 3.18 ERA.
After tonight’s game the Mallards head to La Crosse tomorrow to start a three game series with the South Division leading La Crosse Loggers (20-7).
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Friday June 29th to play the second game of their series with the Loggers. That night will feature “Duck Pond” LEGO kits presented by briXwerX studios and in-game entertainment by Inflatamaniacs.
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.
