by Peter Geppert
Madison, WI – July 18, 2012. The Madison Mallards (9-3, 25-22) hit the road to begin a crucial two game home and away series against the Wisconsin Woodchucks (11-1, 28-19). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm.
On Tuesday the Mallards completed a two game series sweep of the Green Bay Bullfrogs (4-8, 26-21) with a thumping 16-4 win. The Mallards got an explosive 3-for-4, six RBI night from designated hitter Jack Livingston (Northwestern) to compliment an impressive effort on the mound by Mallards starter Bobby Poyner (Florida). Poyner (2-0) went 7.0 strong innings, allowing no runs on one hit and striking out five.
The Mallards will turn to right-hander Kurt Giller (Oral Roberts) to hold the Woodchucks offense at bay. Giller (2-0) has been a reliable option on the mound for Mallards manager Greg Labbe, entering tonight with a 3.64 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 34.2 innings. In his last start the right-hander allowed two runs on two hits and two walks through 6.0 innings of work during the Mallards 3-2 win over the Battle Creek Bombers (4-8, 18-29) on July 12th.
Left-hander Austin Stadler (Wake Forest) will make his first start of the season for the Woodchucks. Stadler (1-0) has made four appearances out of the bullpen already, coming into tonight with a 6.00 ERA. In his last time out on the mound he picked up the win, throwing 2.0 innings of scoreless relief in a 5-4 win over the La Crosse Loggers (5-7, 31-16).
Seeing Stars:
Last night marked the first time this summer that the Mallards had both the Northwoods League Player and Pitcher of the Night. Livingston earned player of the night for the second time this week with his quality day at the plate, while Poyner picked up the pitching honor for the first time with his dominant start.
Red Hot Rivals:
The two game series between the Woodchucks and Mallards features teams that have both been tearing up the Northwoods in the month of July. The Woodchucks, winners of six straight, have taken the second half by storm, racing out to an 11-1 start. The Mallards have not been far behind, as they enter tonight just two game behind the Woodchucks for first place and have an opportunity to move into a tie for the South Division lead with a sweep.
Up Next:
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” to finish their series with the Woodchucks on Thursday, July 19th. 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.
