By Peter Geppert
Eau Claire, WI – August 3, 2012. The Madison Mallards (17-8, 33-27) look to win their third straight road game and stay in the post-season hunt tonight against the Eau Claire Express (11-15, 22-38). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
On Thursday the Mallards ripped off eight runs, with three of them coming off the bat of left fielder Derek Fisher’s (Virginia) eighth home run of the season in the eighth inning, to secure an 8-4 series opening win over the Express. Fisher’s stellar performance at the plate, 2-for-4 with four RBIs, was coupled with a sharp outing from starter Kurt Giller (Oral Roberts), who went 6.0 innings and gave up two runs on five hits.
Right-hander Matt LaMothe (Georgia State) will make his 11th start of the season tonight for the Mallards. LaMothe (5-3) is coming off an 8.0 inning gem in which he gave up two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six during a 5-2 win over the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (7-19, 23-37) on July 28th. In his last two starts the right-hander has been particularly elusive on the mound, posting a 1.20 ERA and 12 strikeouts.
Taking the ball for the Express tonight is right-hander Philip Walby (San Diego State). Walby (3-3) has already made two starts against the Mallards this season, carrying a combined 5.29 ERA and 0-1 record. The right-hander is coming off a start in which he gave up five runs on six hits through 3.0 innings during 10-6 loss to the Lakeshore Chinooks (14-11, 31-29).
Start Hot:
Getting on the scoreboard first has been one of the keys to success for the Mallards this season. The team is sporting a 21-6 record when being the first team to cross home plate.
No Stopping This Train:
Express first baseman Casey Gillaspie (Wichita State) has been a model of consistency, coming into tonight with a 25 game on base streak when playing at home.
Up Next:
After tonight’s game the Mallards wrap up their five game road trip tomorrow with the finale of their three game series against the Express. First pitch of that game is scheduled for 6:35 pm.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Sunday, August 5th to start a five game series with the Chinooks. 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.
