Wisconsin Rapids, WI – July 4, 2012. The Madison Mallards (16-18) will go for the sweep in the second game of their two game road series today against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (15-18).  First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm. 

On Friday the Mallards exorcised some of their road demons that had haunted them all season by holding on for a 7-4 win against the Rafters. Offensively the Mallards were led by right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida) and left fielder Jack Livingston (Northwestern), who drove in two RBIs each.

Livingston has hit his stride with the Mallards. With last nights 2-4 performance the lefty extended his hitting streak to 10 games.

Making his first start of the season for the Mallards today will be left-hander Daniel Gibson (Florida). Gibson (1-1) has already made two bullpen appearances and earned decisions both times out since joining the team on June 28^th. In his last appearance he threw a scoreless ninth inning of relief to setup the Mallards for a 9-8 comeback win over the La Crosse Loggers (25-9) on June 30^th.

Taking the ball for the Rafters is left-hander Tommy Organ (North Florida). Through six starts Organ (0-3) has struggled to establish himself, coming into today’s matchup with a 6.75 ERA and no wins. In his last start he was tagged with the loss after giving up six runs on eight hits over 4.1 innings during the Rafters 9-1 loss to the Lakeshore Chinooks (16-18). Organ has some history against the Mallards, going 5.0 innings and allowing one run and nine hits in the Rafters 4-3 loss to the Mallards on June 4^th.

Marincov hasn’t just been a home run threat for the Mallards, his 18 extra base hits lead the Northwoods League.

The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Thursday July 5^th to begin a three game series with the Eau Claire Express (11-22). 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.