by Peter Geppert
La Crosse, WI – July 31, 2012. The Madison Mallards (15-7, 31-26) and the La Crosse Loggers (13-9, 39-18) take their four game set back to La Crosse tonight for the third edition of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
On Monday the Loggers used a grand slam by center fielder Richard Prigatano (Long Beach State) and a three run shot by shortstop Matt Chapman (Cal State Fullerton) to bury the Mallards for a 7-1 win. The impressive display of power was complimented by a great performance on the mound by starter James Guillen (USC), who went 7.0 innings and held the Mallards to one run on five hits while striking out seven.
Looking to get the Mallards off their two game losing streak is right-hander Bobby Poyner (Florida). Poyner (3-0) has been lights out since taking the ball as a starter, coming into tonight with a 1.33 ERA, a 0.780 WHIP, and a .172 opponent average. The Mallards have a 5-1 record in games he has appeared in, with his last start resulting in a 10-2 win over the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (7-16, 23-34) in which he gave up two runs on seven hits through 6.0 innings of work.
Left-hander Jesse Holiday (Southern) will make his ninth start of the season for the Loggers. In his last outing Holiday (2-2) picked up the win, going 5.1 innings and surrendering two runs on three hits during a 5-2 victory over the Rafters. The lefty comes into tonight’s matchup with a 4.03 ERA and 30 strikeouts.
Timber!
After starting the season series with three of their first six meetings being decided in walk-off fashion, the Loggers have been the better side in their last two games. The Loggers have outscored the Mallards 11-3 in the first two games of the series.
Turning on the South Paws:
The formula to beating left-handed pitching this season for the Mallards has been outfielder Jack Livingston (Northwestern), who is hitting .348 with five home runs and 18 RBIs against lefties.
Up Next:
After tonight’s game the Mallards continue their five game road trip tomorrow night with the series finale against the Loggers. First pitch of that game is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
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.
