by Peter Geppert
Green Bay, WI – July 10, 2012. The Madison Mallards (3-1, 19-20) will try to split their two game series with Green Bay Bullfrogs (2-2, 24-15) tonight at Joannes Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
On Monday the Mallards continued their struggles against Bullfrogs starter Bryce Bellin (Minnesota State), dropping the opener of the two game series 4-0. The right-hander continued his dominance of Mallards hitters, striking out nine and only allowing one hit over 6.0 innings. Overall Bullfrogs pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts on the night. With the loss the Mallards extended their scoreless streak at Joannes Stadium to 34.0 innings.
The Mallards will look to right-hander Brandon Barker (Mercer) to keep the Bullfrogs offense at bay. In his last start Barker (1-3) was a victim of the Northwoods League’s 35 pitch per inning limit rule, being forced to take an early exit in the Mallards 7-4 win over the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (3-2, 19-20) on July 3rd. Through 2.0 innings the right-hander gave up one run on one hit and three walks.
Right-hander Taylor Black (Texas State) will be on the hill tonight for his sixth start of the season with the Bullfrogs. Black (4-0) has been difficult for opponents to figure out, as he enters today with a 2.08 ERA and an impressive 0.920 WHIP. In his last start he was able to hold the Wisconsin Woodchucks (4-0, 21-18) to three runs on eight hits during the Bullfrogs 9-5 win. Black has already made two starts against the Mallards this season, earning wins in both games and giving up two runs in 10.0 innings of work.
Dealin Aces:
The Mallards’ and Bullfrogs’ pitching staffs have been the sharpest in the Northwoods League, coming into tonight as one and two respectively in team strikeout totals. Combined the two staffs have fanned 690 hitters this season.
Something in the Water:
The South Division has been much more pitcher friendly this season then the North Division. Five of the top six pitching staffs in the league reside in the south.
Up Next:
After the Mallards finish their series with the Bullfrogs tonight they embark to Battle Creek, Michigan for the first time this season to take on the Battle Creek Bombers (1-4, 15-25). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Friday, July 13th 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.
