Battle Creek, MI – June 18, 2013. The Madison Mallards (11-7) will go for the two-game sweep of the Battle Creek Bombers (10-9) tonight at C.O. Brown Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm (CT).
Last night the Mallards used a huge fifth inning to pull out an 8-3 victory against the Bombers to start the three-game road trip.
Designated hitter Mike Fitzgerald (Indiana State) led off the inning with a home run to left field, but that was just the beginning for the Mallards offense in the inning, as they sent 10 more batters to the plate. Second baseman Erik Forgione (Washington) and right fielder Drew Weeks (North Florida) both had two-RBI singles later in the frame. Mallards starter Greg Welsh (Penn State) picked up his third win of the season and allowed two runs on three hits in five innings.
The Mallards will send Luke Staub (George Washington) to the mound tonight. Staub is searching for his first win of the season and is currently 0-2 despite having just a 1.63 ERA. In his last appearance on June 11th, he took the loss when he allowed two runs (one earned) in six innings pitched.
Pitching for the Bombers tonight will be Kyle Slack (Toledo). Slack has started three games and has yet to record a decision. He has an ERA of 8.73 and in his last appearance allowed three runs on four hits in four innings pitched on June 12th against the La Crosse Loggers.
Battling on the Road
The Mallards are currently in second place in the South Division standings despite playing 99 of their 159 innings on the road this season. The Mallards are currently 7-4 on the road.
Advanced Statistics
The Mallards are currently second in the Northwoods League in OPS at .769. OPS takes a team’s on-base percentage plus their slugging percentage. The stat gives a player’s ability to both get on base and hit for power.
The Mallards continue their road trip Wednesday when they head to Green Bay to take on the Bullfrogs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
The Mallards return home Thursday, June 20th against the Bullfrogs. Verno’s Custom Tattoo Night will be that night. Free, full color Mallards tattoos will be available before the game and fans can register at Verno’s Tattoos for full tattoos and temporary tattoos will be provided for the first 500 kids. Oscar Mayer Hot Dog Appreciation Night will also take place that night and there will be Wiener Dog Races. First pitch is scheduled for 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 is celebrating its 20th season.
