by Peter Geppert

Green Bay, WI – July 9, 2012. The Madison Mallards (3-0, 19-19) return to action tonight in Green Bay to start a two game series with the Green Bay Bullfrogs (1-2, 23-15). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

On Saturday the Mallards took advantage of five errors and held off a two out ninth inning rally to squeeze out a 5-3 win over the Eau Claire Express (0-3, 11-26). With the win the Mallards swept the three game series and secured an edge in the overall season series against the Express. 

Taking the ball for the Mallards is right-hander Trevor Foss (Texas A&M Corpus-Christi). In his last start Foss (2-3) ended his three game losing streak and got the win in the Mallards 8-4 victory over the Express on July 1^st. Through 7.0 innings the right-hander gave up three runs on two hits and recorded three strikeouts. Foss has already started once against the Bullfrogs this season, a 7.0 inning gem on June 7^th that saw him allow no runs and rack up eight strikeouts.

The Mallards will face a familiar foe tonight in Bullfrogs starter Bryce Bellin (Minnesota State). Bellin (2-2) has made two starts against the Mallards this season. Through 12.0 innings against the Mallards the right-hander has not allowed an earned run and entering tonight’s matchup Mallards hitters are only hitting .111 against the right-hander. In his most recent appearance Bellin came out of the bullpen to throw 2.0 innings of relief in the Bullfrogs 10-2 win over the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (2-1, 18-19).

Bellin and Foss have already met twice this year, with Bellin getting the better of Foss in the Bullfrogs 5-0 win on June 19^th and Foss emerging as the victor in a 1-0 win over the Bullfrogs on June 7^th.

House of Horrors:

Joannes Stadium has been difficult for Mallards hitters this season. The Mallards have not scored an earned run in the Bullfrogs’ stadium in 25.0 innings, with the last being a two run home run off the bat of first baseman Phil Sorenson (UT-Martin) on June 6^th. Over three games in Green Bay the Mallards are hitting a collective .182.

Night and Day:

In order to make a move towards the post-season the Mallards will need to establish more consistency on the road in the second half. The team finished the first half with a 12-7 home record and a 4-12 road record.

Up Next:

The Mallards will finish their two game series with the Bullfrogs tomorrow night. First pitch of that game is scheduled for 7:05 pm.  

The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Friday, July 13^th to take on the Rafters. That night will feature the Half Pint Brawlers Midget Wrestler presented by MINI of Madison. 

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.