by Peter Geppert
Madison, WI – July 6, 2012. The Madison Mallards (1-0, 17-19) continue their three game series with the Eau Claire Express (0-1, 11-24) tonight at the “Duck Pond”. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
On Thursday the Mallards took the opener of the series against the Express with a 9-4 win. The Mallards got big offensive performances from left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) and first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois). Fisher had his most productive night as a Mallard, going 2-4 with four RBIs, while Zimmerman sealed the win by going 3-4 with a home run and three RBIs.
Taking the ball for the Mallards tonight is right-hander Kurt Giller (Oral Roberts). Giller (2-0) received plenty of run support in his last start, 11 runs during an 18-4 win over the La Crosse Loggers (1-0, 27-9) on June 29th. Over his 5.0 innings of work that night he allowed three runs on four hits and had five strikeouts. Giller will be looking to reestablish his command, as he has walked five hitters in back to back starts.
Starting for the Express is right-hander Philip Walby (San Diego State). Walby (2-2) is coming off his worst start of the season in which he gave up five runs on nine hits through 3.0 innings. The performance got Walby the loss in a 12-7 defeat to the Wisconsin Woodchucks (1-0, 18-18). He began the season with an impressive one run, 7.0 inning performance against the Lakeshore Chinooks (0-1, 17-19), but has since struggled. The right-hander is coming into tonight with a 6.00 ERA in his last four starts.
Steady Performer:
Perhaps the most overlooked player on the Mallards this year has been Zimmerman, whose four home runs and 22 RBIs have quietly kept the offense going.
Over the Fence, but Not Over the Plate:
Despite being first in the South Division in home runs with 27, the Mallards enter tonight fifth in the division in RBIs with 143.
The Mallards will finish off their three game series with the Express at the “Duck Pond” tomorrow, July 7th. That night fans will have a chance to meet wrestling legend Jerry “The King” Lawler presented by Charter Communications.
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.
