By Peter Geppert
Mequon, WI – August 7, 2012. The Madison Mallards (19-10, 35-29) head to Mequon to play the final three games of their five game set against the Lakeshore Chinooks (15-14, 32-32). First pitch of tonight’s game is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
On Monday the Mallards struck back to win 2-1 after dropping the series opener to the Chinooks on Sunday. Starter Daniel Gibson (Florida) delivered a marvelous performance on the mound to setup the win, striking out seven and giving up only one run through 8.0 innings. On offense the Mallards were led by right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida), who added his 13th home run of the season with a leadoff blast in the first inning.
Left-hander Bobby Poyner (Florida) will take the ball tonight for the Mallards. In his last outing Poyner (3-0) pitched 6.0 shutout innings and struck out four on the way to a 7-6 win over the La Crosse Loggers (18-11, 44-20) on August 1st. Through five starts with the Mallards the lefty has yet to allow more than two runs.
On the mound tonight for the Chinooks will be right-hander Ryan Harris (Florida). Harris (1-2) is coming off only his second start, going 8.1 shutout innings while striking out six during a 5-0 win over the Battle Creek Bombers (9-20, 23-41). Despite the marathon performance in his last outing, Harris has been used mostly as a reliever this summer. The right-hander has made 13 appearances, with only two of those being starts.
The Producers:
With Marincov blasting his homer in the first inning to add on to his record-breaking year, Mallards first baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) would not be outdone. Zimmerman doubled home the Mallards second run of the game last night to become the first Mallard in franchise history to reach the 50 RBI plateau.
Three is Company:
The series features a stark contrast in the two teams’ ability to grab triples. The Mallards rank last in the Northwoods League in triples this season, coming into tonight only three. Meanwhile the Chinooks have used a South Division leading 19 three-baggers to fuel their offense.
Up Next:
The Mallards continue their five game series against the Chinooks on the road tomorrow night. First pitch of that game is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Friday, August 10th to take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks (25-4, 44-22). That night will feature Zimbrick Honda LEGO logo kits presented by briXwerX Studios.
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.
