by Peter Geppert

Battle Creek, MI – July 12, 2012. The Madison Mallards (5-1, 21-20) will finish up their four game road trip tonight and go for a two game sweep of the Battle Creek Bombers (1-5, 15-26). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT.

On Monday the Mallards used a stellar pitching performance by starter Bobby Poyner (Florida) and a past ball by Bombers catcher Jeremy Shay (Bowling Green) to take the opener of the series 3-2. Poyner (1-0) finished the night with nine strikeouts and surrendered two runs on four hits in 6.0 innings of work.

Looking to keep the trend of solid starting pitching going for the Mallards is right-hander Kurt Giller (Oral Roberts). Giller (2-0) is coming off a start in which he allowed two runs on six hits while fanning six in the Mallards 8-6 win over the Eau Claire Express (3-4, 14-27) on July 6^th. So far this season he has been one of the more consistent starters for the Mallards, going into tonight with a 4.40 ERA and 27 strikeouts.  

Taking the ball for the Bombers is right-hander Casey Mullholland (Ole Miss). Mullholland (0-2) has struggled as of late, taking the loss in his last two starts. In his last time out the right-hander gave up six runs and walked seven over 3.1 innings during the Bombers 9-1 loss to the Wisconsin Woodchucks (5-1, 22-19). Since coming to the Bombers Mullholland has worked on developing into a starter, after being used out of the bullpen at Ole Miss during his collegiate season. So far this year Mullholland has yet to pitch 5.0 innings.

Keeping it Interesting:

The Mallards have been the best in the Northwoods League at pulling out contested games. Their 10-4 record in one-run games leads the league.

Good Ole’ Reliable

Staying on the topic of tight games the Mallards bullpen has been a marvel in late-game situations. The team is 17-0 when leading after eight innings. 

Up Next:

The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Friday, July 13^th to take on the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (3-4, 19-22). 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.