Madison, WI – July 5, 2012. The Madison Mallards (16-19) and Eau Claire Express (11-23) meet at the “Duck Pond” to begin the second half of the season with the first game of a three game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
On Wednesday, the Mallards were beaten 9-3 by the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (16-18), allowing the Rafters to salvage a game from the two game series. Mallards starter Daniel Gibson (Florida) had a rough day on the mound in his first start of the season, giving up seven runs on nine hits in 4.0 innings to earn his second loss of the season.
Left-hander Bobby Poyner (Florida) will continue the recent trend of Gators getting their first start for the Mallards. Poyner has already made two appearances out of the bullpen this season, coming into today with a 3.00 ERA. In his last appearance Poyner gave up one run on one hit and two walks during 1.0 inning of relief.
Left-hander Matt Trowbridge (Central Michigan) will be making his sixth start of the season for the Express tonight. Trowbridge (2-1) has demonstrated solid control on the mound this season, averaging just below two strikeouts per walk. He is coming off a start in which he struck out a season high eight hitters in the Express 5-4 loss to the Wisconsin Woodchucks (17-18). Trowbridge has already made one start this season against the Mallards, earning the win after allowing no runs in 6.0 innings in the Mallards 6-3 loss to the Express on June 9th.
At the “Duck Pond” the Mallards offense has been explosive as of late, averaging 10 runs in their last five home games.
The end of Independence Day signals the end of the first half of the season in the Northwoods League. As of today all teams’ records are reset, and each team will now be focused on competing for a playoff berth. Clinching spots in the playoffs already by winning their respective divisions in the first half are the La Crosse Loggers (26-9) and Mankato MoonDogs (28-7).
The Mallards continue their series with the Express tomorrow July 6th at the “Duck Pond”. That night will be the YP.com Quack Daddies Bobble Butt Giveaway and Stoddard’s Bratwurst 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.
