By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — May 30, 2013. The Madison Mallards (1-0) hope to close out their two-game series against the Eau Claire Express tonight at home with another victory. First pitch at the “Duck Pond” is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
The Mallards were anchored by starter Greg Welsh (Penn State) in the Home Opener Wednesday night, as the 5’10,” 195-pound native of Holland, Pennsylvania struck out six in his 5.1 innings of work. He scattered five hits and allowed only one earned run.
Welsh’s performance came at the perfect time, as the Mallards registered only two hits on the night in Anthony Cheky’s (Michigan State) single in the first and Eric Cheray’s (Missouri State) triple in the fourth. But the Mallards were able to take advantage of three Express errors and Express starter Will Kenny’s six walks to manufacture runs.
Cheky led the Mallards offensively by going 1-for-2 with an RBI and two walks. Left fielder Luke Meeteer (UW-Milwaukee), designated hitter Drew Weeks (North Florida), and shortstop Michael Handel (Minnesota) knocked in the remaining three Mallards’ runs.
Right-handed pitcher Luke Staub (George Washington) will start for the Mallards tonight. He proved to be a workhorse for the Colonials this spring, as the 6’2,” 200-pound native of Peoria, Illinois led his teams in games started (15) and innings pitched (91.2). He went 4-6 with an ERA of 3.44 for a Colonials team that finished with a record of 26-32.
The Express are going with righty Edward Brandsema. Brandsema, an Orlando, Florida native, will be making his first appearance of the season after playing for the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama this past spring. The 6’0,” 175-pound junior went 4-5 with a 4.71 ERA in 18 appearances, which included 12 starts.
Walks, walks, and more walks
The Mallards’ patience at the plate was on full display on Opening Night at the “Duck Pond.” The Mallards drew eight walks—six from Kenny and two from Express reliever Peter Hendron (Santa Clara)—and were hit by a pitch three times.
Forkert Returns On a High Note
Mallards pitcher Sam Forkert returned to the “Duck Pond” in full force Wednesday night by pitching 1.2 innings of hitless ball to record the save. He went 2-3 with a 4.64 ERA in 42.2 innings of work last summer with the Mallards.
Up Next:
After tonight’s two-game series concludes, the Mallards will host the La Crosse Loggers as part of a two-game series that will wrap up the Mallards four-game homestand. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
The Mallards will hit the road following the La Crosse series for a pair of games at Green Bay Sunday afternoon and Monday night. They will return home Tuesday for a 7:05 pm game against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters.
The 2013 season is upon us! Single-game tickets are on-sale now!
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 Baseball League in North America. In 2013, the Northwoods League will celebrate its 20th season.
