by Peter Geppert

Battle Creek, MI – July 11, 2012. The Madison Mallards (4-1, 20-20) embark on a trip to the lower peninsula of Michigan for the first time this year to take on the Battle Creek Bombers (1-4, 15-25). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT.  

On Tuesday Mallards first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) ended 40.0 innings of scoreless futility at Green Bay’s Joannes Stadium with a three run home run in the sixth inning. The blast, his sixth of the season, delivered the Mallards a 3-2 win and a split in their two game series against the Green Bay Bullfrogs (2-3, 24-16).

Left-hander Bobby Poyner (Florida) will make his second start of the season tonight for the Mallards. In his last start Poyner (1-0) went 5.0 innings, giving up two runs on three hits to earn the win during the Mallards 9-4 victory over the Eau Claire Express (2-4, 13-27) on July 5^th.

Poyner’s counterpart on the mound will be Bomber left-hander Dan Tyson (Northwestern). Tyson (1-1) is making his third start of the season after starting the summer making four appearances out of the bullpen. In his last time out Tyson gave up four runs on nine hits during the Bombers’ 7-6 win over the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (1-4, 15-25).

Shutting it Down:

Mallards closer John Hamilton (UNC-Charlotte) earned his seventh save of the season in last night’s 3-2 win over the Bullfrogs. The lefty threw a perfect three-up, three-down ninth inning to move into a tie with Loggers closer Jonathon Van Eaton (Memphis) for first in the South Division in saves.

Not So Friendly Confines:

The Mallards run into a Bomber squad that has struggled at home this season. Their 8-11 mark at C.O. Brown Stadium is last in the South Division.

Up Next:

The Mallards wrap up their four game road trip with the finale of their two game series against the Bombers tomorrow night.  First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT.

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.