By Peter Geppert
Madison, WI – August 11, 2012. The Madison Mallards (22-11, 38-30) will play their final home game of the 2012 season at the “Duck Pond” tonight against the Wisconsin Woodchucks (25-8, 42-26). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm.
On Friday the Mallards made sure that the Woodchucks paid for four costly errors in taking the opener of the series 8-5. Of the eight runs the Mallards scored, only four were earned. Mallards right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida) led a well-rounded offensive attack, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
Taking the ball for the final time this season is right-hander Trevor Foss (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi). Foss (3-8) will try to end the season on a winning note, having taken loses in his last three starts. In his last outing the right-hander surrendered five runs on six hits during an 8-7 loss to the Lakeshore Chinooks (17-16, 34-34). Foss enters tonight’s matchup fourth in the Northwoods League in strikeouts with 67.
The Woodchucks are undergoing roster turnover as they prepare for a run at a championship in next week’s playoffs. Their starter will be a game time decision.
Ducks Fly Together:
The Mallards enter tonight looking to improve on their already stellar record at home. Entering tonight the Mallards are 22-12 at the “Duck Pond,” which is good for third in the South Division.
No Stars Here:
The Woodchucks’ scorching run at the second half South Division title is made even more remarkable when considering the collective way in which they won. A true team, the Woodchucks enter tonight with only one player, right-hander Jack Fischer (Wake Forest), among the statistical leaders in the Northwoods League.
Up Next:
After tonight’s home finale, the Mallards head to Wausau to wrap up their season against the Woodchucks. First pitch of that game is scheduled for 5:05 pm.
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.
