By Peter Geppert
Madison, WI – July 29, 2012. The Madison Mallards (15-6, 31-25) finish their four game home stand tonight with the second game of a four game series against the La Crosse Loggers (12-9, 38-18). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
On Sunday the Loggers blasted three home runs in the first inning off of Mallards starter Sam Forkert (Marian) on their way to a 4-2 win. Loggers starter TJ Kendzora (San Diego State) had his best outing of the season, holding the Mallards offense to two runs on two hits through 5.0 innings of work.
Right-hander Trevor Foss (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) will make his tenth start of the season tonight for the Mallards. In his last appearance, Foss (3-6) made an emergency bullpen appearance during a 5-4 loss to the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (7-15, 23-33) in which he was called upon to relieve an already taxed bullpen. In his 1.0 inning of relief the right-hander gave up the game deciding home run, suffering his sixth loss of the season.
On the hill for the Loggers is right-hander James Guillen (USC). In his last start, Guillen (3-2) went 6.0 innings, giving up three runs on six hits during a 5-4 win over the Rafters. Over his last two starts opponents have had better luck hitting against him, batting .254, much higher then his overall season average of .224.
Staying Cool:
The series features two of the top teams in the Northwoods Leagues in one-run games. The Mallards enter tonight 12-6, while the Loggers are 12-7, good for one and two in the league respectively.
Down to the Wire:
With last night’s loss to the Loggers and a Wisconsin Woodchucks (19-2, 36-20) win, the Mallards now find themselves four games out of first place with 14 games left to play.
Up Next:
After tonight’s game the Mallards leave the “Duck Pond” for their longest road trip of the season, a five game odyssey that takes them to La Crosse to finish their series with the Loggers and Eau Claire to play a three game set against the Eau Claire Express (9-13, 20-36).
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Sunday, August 5th to start a five game series with the Lakeshore Chinooks (11-10, 28-28). That night will be Marshfield Clinic Susan G. Komen for the Cure Night and Princess Millie Bobblehead 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.
