By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — May 31, 2013. The Madison Mallards (1-0) are beginning a two-game series with the La Crosse Loggers (1-1) tonight at 7:05 after last night’s postponement.
The last game of a two-game series between the Mallards and the Eau Claire Express was postponed last night due to rain in the top of the second inning. It was the second straight night at the “Duck Pond” that the weather shortened the game, as Wednesday’s season opener was cut short after 7 1/2 innings. The Mallards came away with a 4-2 victory that night despite recording only two hits. The Mallards and Express will play two 7-inning games on July 5th starting at 4:05 pm.
Southpaw Justin D’Amato will be taking the hill for the Mallards tonight. D’Amato will be a senior next fall at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York and will be making his first appearance for the Mallards. The 5’9,” 170-pound native of Canandaigua, New York served as the Cardinals’ ace this past spring, going 7-2 with a miniscule 1.46 ERA in 11 starts. He struck out 70 and walked only 25 in 68 innings of work. He also tossed four complete games, which was tied for second in the Empire 8 Conference. His 1.46 ERA was .17 points better than any other pitcher in the conference.
The Loggers will send 6’2,” 200-pound lefty Colin Lee (Memphis) to the mound. Lee, a native of Germantown, Tennessee, was one of the more consistent relievers for the Tigers this past spring. He had an ERA of just 1.62 in 12 appearances—which included one start—and struck out 15 in 16.2 innings of work. His 1.62 ERA ranked first on a Tigers team that finished this past spring with a record of 35-23.
Rain, Rain, Go Away
The Mallards have yet to play a complete game in the 2013 season thanks to a forecast that has included mostly rain throughout the past week. The Express had a runner on first with one out in the top of the second inning last night when a heavy gust of wind accompanied by intense rainfall hit Warner Park. The Mallards recorded one hit in the bottom of the first from right fielder Tate Matheny but the umpires officially called off the game at 7:59 pm.
Bull Joins Mallards
The Mallards have signed utility player Ryan Bull (Notre Dame) on a temporary contract. Bull, a native of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, hit .319 with two home runs and 38 RBIs in 58 games for the Fighting Irish this past spring. The Mallards have also waived Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois), who was originally on a temporary contract with the team.
Up Next:
The Mallards will close out their two-game series against the Loggers tomorrow night at the “Duck Pond.” First pitch is slated for 6:05 pm.
The Mallards will then begin a two-game series at Green Bay against the Bullfrogs starting Sunday at 1:05 pm at Joannes Stadium. The Mallards will head back home after their 6:35 pm start at Green Bay on Monday night and will host the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters Tuesday night at 7:05 pm.
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.
