By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Battle Creek, MI — July 1, 2013. The Madison Mallards (19-11) hope to retain their first place spot in the Northwoods League standings with a win tonight against the Battle Creek Bombers (13-18) at C.O. Brown Stadium.
The Mallards moved back into first place after a win Sunday afternoon and a Lakeshore Chinooks loss. The Mallards used a handful of big, middle-inning rallies to pull away from the Bombers yesterday. They scored one in the fifth, four in the sixth and two in the seventh.
Tate Matheny (Missouri State) and John LaPrise (Virginia) powered the Mallards offensively by going 3-for-5 with two RBIs and 4-for-5 with two RBIs, respectively.
Mallards starter Taylore Cherry (UNC) pitched three innings and allowed one run, but struggled with his command and issued four walks. Sam Forkert (Marian) earned the win and pitched three innings with three strikeouts and one walk in relief of Cherry.
The Mallards will send Luke Staub (George Washington) to the mound tonight. Staub will be looking for his third win in as many starts, as he pitched at least seven innings and allowed no earned runs in each of his last two starts. He struck out 10 and allowed only two hits through seven innings in his last start on June 24th against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters.
Kyle Slack (Toledo) will be making his third consecutive start against the Mallards tonight. He is 0-1 against the Mallards so far this season. He was roughed up in his last appearance at the “Duck Pond” and allowed six runs (three earned) on seven hits in just 3.2 innings of work. He didn’t receive a decision on June 18th against the Mallards at home and allowed one run (earned) on three hits in six innings.
Feisty Forkert
Forkert turned in another solid performance in relief yesterday against the Bombers and lowered his ERA to just 0.44. He leads all Mallards relievers in innings pitched with 20.2 and has allowed only 10 hits and one earned run. He has also struck out 19 batters and walked only four on the season.
Up Next:
The Mallards will round out the first half schedule with two games at La Crosse (19-13) on July 2nd and July 3rd at Copeland Park. The Loggers are only one game back of the Mallards.
The Lakeshore Chinooks (19-12) close out their first half schedule with a game tonight at home against Green Bay and games at Eau Claire on Tuesday and Wednesday.
July 3rd is the West Bend Home Talent Classic featuring Paul Molitor at the “Duck Pond.” 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 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.
