Madison, WI – June 29, 2012. The Madison Mallards (12-18) return to the “Duck Pond” to play the second game of a three game series against the La Crosse Loggers (22-7). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
On Thursday the Loggers took game one of the series 2-1 on a walk-off RBI single in the ninth inning by catcher Tyler Servais (Princeton). The hit off of Mallards reliever Daniel Gibson (Florida) secured the Loggers their third straight win over the Mallards.
The loss spoiled another great outing from Mallards starter Anthony Marzi (Connecticut), who allowed one run on two hits in 5.0 innings on the mound. Marzi (2-0) was outdueled by Loggers starter Jake Stassi (Long Beach State), who carried a no hit bid into the seventh inning until Mallards first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) was able to break through with a single to right field.
The Mallards will count on right-hander Kurt Giller (Oral Roberts) to get the Mallards off of their two game skid. In his last start Giller (1-0) gave up four runs on seven hits through 5.0 innings of work in the Mallards 11-5 loss to the Lakeshore Chinooks (14-15). Through four starts the right-hander has struggled at times with command, carrying a nearly even walk-to-strikeout ratio of 1.14. Despite that Giller has done well in not allowing walks to turn into runs, coming into the matchup with a 4.59 ERA.
Starting for the Loggers will be right-hander Bo Henning (Sacramento CC). Henning (3-0) has been a force on the mound in his debut season in the Northwoods League. Through five starts the righty is second in the Northwoods League with a 0.70 ERA and is tied for fifth in wins with three.
The series features a couple of teams that rely on the long ball, the Mallards and Loggers are tied for the South division lead in home runs with 19.
Mallards outfielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) has shown off his great eye through 15 games, drawing 13 walks and only striking out five times.
The Mallards finish their series off with the Loggers at the “Duck Pond” on Saturday, June 30th. That night will be Rhythm and Booms Fireworks Night at the ballpark, and will also feature the Diamond Center Diamond Dig after game and a Hy-Vee Post-Fireworks movie on the Pepsi Max video board.
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.
