by Peter Geppert
La Crosse, WI – August 1, 2012. The Madison Mallards (15-8, 31-27) will attempt to bounce back tonight from a no-hitter and avoid being swept on the road by the La Crosse Loggers (14-9, 40-18). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
On Tuesday Loggers starter Jesse Holiday (Southern) and reliever Jacob Dorris (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) combined to throw the second no-hitter in Loggers history, blanking the Mallards for a 10-0 win. On offense the Loggers were led by third baseman Brandon Bednar (Florida Gulf Coast), who went 2-for-4 with three RBIs.
Left-hander Bobby Poyner (Florida) will take the ball tonight for his fifth start of the season for the Mallards. 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.
On the hill for the Loggers is right-hander Josh Frye (Long Beach State). A late arrival to the team this summer, Frye (1-0) has only made two appearances for the team. In his lone start on July 26th Frye (1-0) went 6.0 innings, striking out 10 while surrendering one run on three hits during a 4-1 win over the Battle Creek Bombers (7-17, 21-38).
Murderer’s Row:
The Mallards have run into some tough starting pitching in the first three games of the series. Loggers starters have carried a 0.47 ERA through the series.
Houston We Have a Problem:
With the two teams launching home runs at a breakneck pace, leading the South Division with a combined 97 long balls, the series figure to be a showcase of some impressive power. The Loggers have had the decided advantage so far, hitting five homers compared to one for the Mallards.
Up Next:
After tonight’s game the Mallards continue their five game road trip tomorrow night with the series opener against the Eau Claire Express. 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 (14-10, 31-28). 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.
