By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — June 24, 2013. The Madison Mallards (13-10) look to get back on track after losing two games to the South Division leading Lakeshore Chinooks by squaring off against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (13-12) tonight at 7:05 pm.
The Mallards dropped a heartbreaker Sunday afternoon in 11 innings by a score of 5-4. Mallards shortstop Mike Reuvekamp (California) fielded a routine ground ball in the top of the ninth with a runner on third and two outs with the score tied 3-3, but his throw to first sailed on him to allow the runner from third to score.
The Mallards tied it in the next half inning thanks to an RBI groundout from Tate Matheny (Missouri State). But Mallards reliever Ben Neumann (Northern Illinois) allowed two costly hits two innings later and was tagged with the loss. He drops to 0-2 on the year.
Luke Staub (George Washington) looks to start a new winning streak for the Mallards by getting the start on the hill tonight. The 6’2,” 200-pound junior from Peoria, Illinois is 1-2 with an ERA of just 0.96 so far this summer. He picked up the win in his last start against Battle Creek on June 18th by allowing no earned runs on five hits in 7.2 innings of work in a 3-1 victory.
The Rafters will be going with 6’4,” 210-pound Brad Stroik (UW-Stevens Point). So far in the 2013 season, Stroik is 2-0 with a 1.66 ERA in five games, four of which have been starts. He received a no-decision in his last start on June 19th against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. He allowed three runs (no earned) on five hits and struck out four in 5.1 innings. His last win came on June 14th against the Woodchucks, when he allowed two earned runs over seven innings.
Pitching Woes at the “Duck Pond”
So far this season, the Mallards have a markedly better ERA while on the road compared to home games at the “Duck Pond.” The Mallards pitching staff holds an ERA of just 2.97 in their 13 road games while their ERA jumps to 4.40 in their 10 home games.
Can’t Close Out the Nail biters
The Mallards dropped another one-run game yesterday against the Chinooks. The loss drops their record in one-run games to just 2-5 on the season.
Up Next:
The Mallards will play their third game of a six-game home stand tomorrow against the Battle Creek Bombers.
Tomorrow night’s game is the Sustain Dane Mallards Go Green Night. There will also be a Zimbrick Honda LEGO Rubber Ducky Giveaway. The matchup will also feature Cutter Night and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Community Connection Night.
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.
