By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — June 29, 2013. The Madison Mallards (18-10) begin a three-game series against the Battle Creek Bombers (12-17) one day after pulling into first place in the Northwoods League South Division standings.
After last night’s shutout win—which was the Mallards first of the season—against the Wisconsin Woodchucks, the Mallards are 0.010 percentage points ahead of the second place La Crosse Loggers.
Mallards starter Greg Welsh (Penn State) took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning and improved to 4-0 on the season. Woodchucks leadoff hitter Joey Rodriguez (Wake Forest) broke up the no-no in the top of the seventh with one out on a single up the middle. Hunter May (UNC-Charlotte) came on in the ninth to record his seventh save.
Mallards shortstop Mike Reuvekamp (California) and third baseman John LaPrise (Virginia) recorded the two RBIs for the Mallards on the night.
The Mallards will send Reilly Hovis (North Carolina) to the mound for his Northwoods League debut. Hovis and Tar Heels teammate Taylore Cherry arrived in Madison Friday afternoon. Hovis went 4-0 with a 2.36 ERA in 18 appearances—four of which were starts—with a Tar Heels team that reached the NCAA Super Regionals this past spring.
Lessons from LaPrise
LaPrise, a 6’3,” 175-pound native of Exton, Pennsylvania, had half of the Mallards hits last night and went 4-for-4 with an RBI. He is now hitting .390 since joining the Mallards 12 games ago. The infielder has also a triple and six RBIs while scoring 10 runs for the Mallards.
Welsh the Winner
With last night’s near no-no, Welsh improved to 4-0 and is now tied for the Northwoods League lead in wins. He is tied with La Crosse’s Steve Hagen (Wooster College) and Lakeshore’s Kyle Bouman (St. Louis). Welsh lowered his ERA to 2.25 and now has 28 strikeouts in 32 innings of work.
Up Next:
The Mallards will continue their three-game set with the Bombers Sunday for a 5:05 pm game and end the series with a 7:05 pm game Monday night.
They will then round out the first half schedule with two games at La Crosse on July 2nd and July 3rd at Copeland Park.
July 3rd is the West Bend Home Talent Classic featuring Paul Molitor. The Rhythm and Booms Fireworks show will also take place after the game. The American Cancer Society Community Connection Night is also that day.
The Mallards next home games are on Friday, July 5th. The Mallards will host a doubleheader against the Eau Claire Express.
Zimbrick Honda Military Appreciation Night with a Military Maynard Bobblehead Giveaway will take place that night. The Badger Honor Flight Community Connection Night will also take place and there will also be a Schoep’s Ice Cream Scoop Giveaway.
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.
