By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Eau Claire, WI — July 4, 2013. The Madison Mallards (21-12, 0-0) will begin the second half of the regular season Thursday night in Eau Claire (12-22, 0-0) one night after punching a playoff ticket for the Northwoods League Divisional Playoffs in mid-August.
The Mallards offense was the story of the night in the do-or-die contest in La Crosse last night, as the team posted 12 runs and batted around in the fifth inning to pull away.
Starter Jordan Tabakman (UConn) was also solid on the mound but couldn’t get out of the fifth inning. He lasted 4.2 innings and allowed two runs (both earned) on six hits. Cam Verbeke (Illinois State) picked up the win by getting the last out of the fifth and completing the sixth and seventh innings while allowing just one hit. He improved to 3-0 on the year.
Jeff Zahn (Indiana State) continued his hot streak at the plate and finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a pair of runs scored, while Mike Reuvekamp (California) knocked in four runs and went 2-for-4. Catcher Jason Goldstein (Illinois) also drove in a pair and scored two runs while going 2-for-4 and Drew Weeks (North Florida) returned from his injury and went 2-for-5 with two runs scored.
Lefty Greg Welsh (Penn State) is on the mound again tonight for the Mallards. He is 4-0 through six starts with a 2.25 ERA in 32 innings. He arguably had his best outing of the season in his last start on June 28th against the Wisconsin Woodchucks by allowing just one hit through seven innings. He walked two and struck out seven.
Paul Voelker (Dallas Baptist) will be on the mound tonight for the Express and will be making his eighth appearance (second start) of the season. He is 1-1 with 2.54 in 17.2 innings of work. His lone start came on June 28th against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, when he allowed two runs (both earned) on five hits while striking out 10 batters in 6.0 innings of work.
A Tough Out
LaPrise, who played his first game with the Mallards on June 15th, has been quite the challenge for opposing pitchers since his arrival, as he is hitting at a .462 clip. This has been even more true as of late, as the 6’3,” 175-pounder is 14-for-23 over the last four games.
Up Next:
The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” Friday for a doubleheader against the Eau Claire Express. The first matchup is set for a 4:05 pm start. That night marks the Zimbrick Honda Military Appreciation Night with a Military Maynard Bobblehead giveaway. The Schoep’s Ice Cream Scoop Giveaway will also take place and the Badger Honor Flight Community Connection Night will be held.
The Madison Mallards are your Northwoods League South Division First Half Champions! Playoff tickets will go on sale Monday at noon!
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.
