by Peter Geppert

Madison, WI – July 28, 2012. The Madison Mallards (14-5, 30-24) will square off against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (7-13, 23-31) in the rubber match of a three game series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm.

On Friday the Rafters bounced back from an ugly home loss in the series opener to take a 5-4 road win and even up the series with the Mallards. After each team scored four runs in the first inning, it was a solo homer by Rafters right fielder Brandon Downes (Virginia) in the fifth inning that proved to be the difference.

On the hill tonight for the Mallards is right-hander Matt LaMothe (Georgia State). LaMothe (4-3) is coming off his best start of the season in which he threw 7.0 shutout innings and put up six strikeouts in a 10-0 win over the Wisconsin Woodchucks (17-2, 34-20) on July 19^th.

Starting for the Rafters is right-hander Kyle Wormington (Valparaiso). Wormingotn (2-3) has struggled in his last two starts, carrying a 9.00 ERA in his last 10.0 innings on the mound. In his last outing he earned the win after going 5.1 innings and giving up five runs on three hits in the Rafters 8-7 win over the Mallards on July 15^th. Although he has shown great command, he has 23 strikeouts compared to eight walks, opponents have been able to hit him well, averaging .288.  

Going Fishing:

Few around the Northwoods League have matched the production of Mallards left fielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) in the last 10 games. Over that stretch the lefty has hit .343 with five home runs and 11 RBIs.

Mr. Clutch:

Mallards pitchers better beware of Rafters center fielder Alex Bacon (North Florida), who has shown a knack for coming through in big situations. So far this summer he is hitting .326 with two home runs and 19 RBIs when coming to the plate with runners in scoring position.

Up Next:

The Mallards welcome the La Crosse Loggers (11-8, 37-17) to the “Duck Pond” tomorrow, July 29^th to start a four game series. That night will be MINI of Madison Mini Cooper Roadster Maynard Garden Gnome 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.