by Peter Geppert
Battle Creek, MI – July 20, 2012. The Madison Mallards (10-4, 26-23) head out of Wisconsin for the second time this season to start a three game weekend series with the Battle Creek Bombers (5-9, 19-30). First pitch is scheduled is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT.
On Thursday the Mallards combined four home runs with a dazzling performance from starting pitcher Matt LaMothe (Georgia State) to pound out a 10-0 win over the Wisconsin Woodchucks (12-2, 29-20). Among the four homers, two were by first timers, Mallards catcher Mike Reuvekamp (California) and second baseman Ryan Busch (Georgetown) who did it in his debut at-bat as a Mallard.
With the win the Mallards split the two game series and remained within two games of the Woodchucks for first place in the South Division.
On the hill for the Mallards tonight is right-hander Trevor Foss (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi). Foss (2-5) is coming off his roughest outing of the season in which he only lasted 1.0 inning and surrendered four runs on three hits during an 8-7 loss to the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (6-9, 22-27). Since coming to Madison he has been elusive on the mound, his 50 strikeouts are fifth in the Northwoods League.
Making his third start of the season for the Bombers is right-hander Cole Swanson (San Diego State). In his last start Swanson (1-1) struggled to find the strike zone in a losing effort, giving up six runs on five hits and four walks through 4.0 innings of work.
Rockett Power:
The Mallards better beware of Bomber center fielder Daniel Rockett (Texas-San Antonio), who has been on fire as of late. The leadoff man is batting .448 in his last seven games, with two home runs and eight RBIs to go along with five stolen bases.
Quack Attack:
If there is any pitching staff that is up to the challenge of keeping Rockett off balance, it’s the Mallards’. With 430 strikeouts entering the night, the Mallards have continued their staggering pace of fanning hitters to remain leaders of the Northwoods League.
Up Next:
After tonight’s game the Mallards continue their three game series with game two against the Bombers tomorrow night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT.
The Mallards return to action at the “Duck Pond” on Friday, July 27th against the Rafters. That night will be Presidential Bobble Election Night at the ballpark.
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.
