by Peter Geppert
Wisconsin Rapids, WI – July 15, 2012. The Madison Mallards (7-2, 23-21) will finish their three game series with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (4-6, 20-24) this afternoon at Witter Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm.
On Saturday the Mallards capitalized on 11 walks and three errors by the Rafters to even up the series with a 13-5 win. The Mallards were led offensively by catcher Taylor Gushue (Florida), who went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs. Mallards starter Justin Topa (Long Island) was stellar in his first start of the season, throwing 5.0 innings of one hit baseball to earn the win.
Right-hander Trevor Foss (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) will get the start for the Mallards. Foss (2-4) is making his eighth start, coming into tonight’s matchup with 47 strikeouts compared to only 11 walks and a 4.24 ERA. In his last time out on the mound Foss was the hard luck loser in the Mallards 4-0 defeat to the Green Bay Bullfrogs (3-6, 25-19) on July 9th.
Taking the ball for the Rafters is right-hander Kyle Wormington (Valparaiso). Wormington (1-3) is coming off his worst start of the season in which he allowed seven runs on eight hits in the Rafters 7-4 loss to the Eau Claire Express (4-6, 15-29). He has struggled to keep opponents off the base paths, coming into tonight with a 1.47 WHIP.
Winning the Day:
The Mallards have had no trouble finding the winning formula on Sundays. The team enters today 4-1 on Sunday games, and is riding a four game win streak since losing 8-3 to the La Crosse Loggers (4-5, 30-14) on June 3rd.
Cooled Off:
Mallards right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida) has cooled down from the record setting numbers he was putting up in June. In his last 10 games Marincov is hitting .256 with one home run and five RBIs.
Up Next:
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Monday, July 16th to matchup with the Bullfrogs. That night will be Madison Parks and Water Park Night at the ballpark, also featuring Millie LEGO kits presented by Zimbrick Honda.
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.
