by Peter Geppert

Madison, WI – July 17, 2012. The Madison Mallards (8-3, 24-22) set their sights on a sweep at the “Duck Pond” of their two game series with the Green Bay Bullfrogs (4-7, 26-20) tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.   

On Monday the Mallards battled back to overcome an early 4-1 deficit against the Bullfrogs, using a walk-off RBI single in the ninth inning by third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia) to take the opener of the series 5-4. Although the Mallards won the game on Howard’s single, it was a two run homer in the seventh inning by his collegiate teammate, left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia), that tied the game at four to setup the Mallards win.

Left-hander Bobby Poyner (Florida) will make his third start of the season tonight for the Mallards. Poyner (1-0) has excelled since arriving in Madison, coming into tonight’s start with a 1.93 ERA and a stellar 0.860 WHIP. Through 14.0 innings of work the lefty has only surrendered nine hits, while striking out 16. In his last outing Poyner went 6.0 innings, giving up two runs on four hits while striking out a season high nine in the Mallards 3-2 win over the Battle Creek Bombers (3-8, 17-29) on July 11^th.  

Taking the ball for the Bullfrogs is right-hander Harry Stanwyck (UC-Davis). In his last start Stanwyck (2-1) picked up his second win of the season after going 5.0 innings and allowing two runs on two hits during the Bullfrogs 15-6 victory over the Lakeshore Chinooks (6-5, 23-23). The win, on July 12^th, was his first since a June 17^th win over the Eau Claire Express (4-7, 16-30).

Leapfrogging:

After suffering through a four game losing streak to the Bullfrogs in which the Mallards only scored two runs, the Mallards have now comeback to beat the Bullfrogs twice. The last time being on July 10^th when a three run home run by first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) allowed the Mallards to comeback down two runs for a 3-2 win.

Road Warriors:

The Bullfrogs have been a tough team to beat when they are on the road, their 13-10 road record is tops in the South Division.

Up Next:

The Mallards hit the road tomorrow night to begin a two game home and away series with the Wisconsin Woodchucks (10-1, 27-19). First pitch of that game is scheduled for 6:35 pm.

The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” to finish their series with the Woodchucks on Thursday, July 19^th. That night will be the much anticipated Bacon Appreciation Night as well as St. Mary’s GoldenCare Grandparent Appreciation Night. 

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.