by Peter Geppert
Madison, WI – June 30, 2012. The Madison Mallards (13-18) will finish off their three game series with the La Crosse Loggers (22-8) with a rubber match to decide the series. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 pm.
On Friday the Mallards exploded at the plate for an 18-4 win over the Loggers to even the series. Offensively the Mallards were carried by catcher Mike Reuvekamp (California) and right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida), who went a combined 7-9 and drove in nine of the Mallards 18 runs. The game also featured a second inning in which the Mallards scored nine runs, all with two outs and tied the franchise record for runs in an inning.
The loss was the most lopsided defeat that the South Division leading Loggers has endured all season. Loggers starter Bo Henning (Sacramento CC) suffered his first loss of the season, getting shelled for seven runs on six hits in 1.2 innings after coming into the game with an impressive 0.70 ERA.
On the hill tonight for the Mallards is right-hander Matt LaMothe (Georgia State). LaMothe (3-2) is coming off a start in which he carried a perfect game through 6.1 innings, getting the win in the Mallards 3-2 victory over the Eau Claire Express (9-21). Through five starts he is the only Mallards starter to receive a decision in each game.
LaMothe’s opponent on the mound tonight will be Loggers starter Scott Schultz (Oregon State). Schultz (1-1) has been used in a variety of roles, making one start and being used out of the bullpen twice. In his last appearance he pitched 2.0 innings of hitless relief to earn the win in the Loggers 2-1 win over the Mallards on June 28th.
With the home run last night Marincov now stands alone on top of the Northwoods League with seven home runs. His .387 batting average is good for second in the South Divison, only behind Lakeshore’s Bre Kimbell (Louisiana Tech) who is currently hitting .400.
The Mallards finish their three game weekend home stand with a one game set against the Express tomorrow July 1st. That night will be the much anticipated Great Dane Protest Maynard Bobblehead giveaway.
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.
