by Peter Geppert

Madison, WI – July 13, 2012. The Madison Mallards (6-1, 22-20) return to the “Duck Pond” for the first time in six days to take on the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (3-5, 19-23). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.  

On Thursday the Mallards got a timely RBI single by second baseman Luis Munoz (Coffeyville CC) in the 10^th inning to pull out a 3-2 win over the Battle Creek Bombers (1-6, 15-27). With the win the Mallards closed out their four game road trip on a three game win streak and swept their two game series with the Bombers.  

Right-hander Matt LaMothe (Georgia State) will make his eighth start of the season tonight for the Mallards. In his last outing LaMothe (3-2) went 6.0 innings, allowing one run on six hits and striking out five during the Mallards 5-3 win over the Eau Claire Express (3-5, 14-28) on July 6^th. His control has been excellent thus far, averaging less than two walks per game this season.

On the hill for the Rafters is left-hander Augey Bill (Arizona). Bill (1-0) was a late arrival for the Rafters after his collegiate team, the Arizona Wildcats, completed a run to become the College World Series champions. Since making his first start on July 2^nd Bill has been impressive, coming into tonight with a 2.08 ERA. In his last start Bill earned the win, going 7.0 innings and giving up two runs on seven hits during the Rafters 5-3 win over the Green Bay Bullfrogs (3-4, 25-17). 

It’s Good to be Back:

The Mallards are playing their first home game since July 7^th, when they completed a three game sweep of the Express with a 5-3 win.  

We’re Having a Heat Wave:

The Mallards have been red hot in the month of July. So far this month the Mallards are 8-2 and have swept two of their first three series to start the second half of the season.

Up Next:

The Mallards continue their three game series with the Rafters tomorrow, July 14^th. That night will be Jay Hazen Dentistry’s Turn Back the Clock Night and will also feature post-game fireworks presented by Ballweg Chevrolet and WISC-TV 3. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm. 

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.