Wisconsin Rapids, WI – July 3, 2012. The Madison Mallards (15-18) return to action from their first off day of the season to hit the road and take on the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (17-18). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

On Sunday the Mallards scored in each frame for the first six innings of the game to handily win 8-4 over the Eau Claire Express (10-22). Six different Mallards hitters contributed to the offensive attack, driving in at least one RBI. First baseman Jack Livingston (Northwestern) had his most impressive day at the plate as a Mallard, going 3-4 with two RBIs.

By getting the win over the Express the Mallards swept their weekend home stand and extended their win streak to three games.

On the hill for the Mallards tonight is right-hander Brandon Barker (Mercer). Barker (1-3) is coming off a start in which he earned his first win of the season during the Mallards 7-2 victory over the Wisconsin Woodchucks (17-16) on June 26^th. Through 6.0 innings the right-hander gave up two runs on five hits while striking out three.

Right-hander Ben Heller (Olivet Nazarene) will make his sixth start of the season for the Rafters. In his last start Heller (2-1) took the loss in his worst start of the season, giving up five runs on seven hits during the Rafters June 27^th 7-5 loss to the Green Bay Bullfrogs (20-13). Heller has been one of the most reliable starters on the Rafters, his 2.62 ERA is second among starters on the team.

The Rafters have been the streakiest team in the Northwoods League. So far this season the Rafters have gone on two separate six game losing streaks (June 22^nd-June 28^th, and June 7^th-June 12^th) and have also been one eight game win streak (June 13^th-June 21^st).

The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Thursday July 5^th to begin a three game series with the Express. That night will be the Jay Hazen Dentistry for Madison Vintage Bobble Boy giveaway and Badger Honor Flight Military Appreciation Night.

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.