By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — July 6, 2013. The Madison Mallards (2-1, 23-13) look to improve to 5-0 against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (0-2, 19-18) tonight at 6:05 pm at the ‘Duck Pond.’
The Mallards are coming off of two one-run victories Friday in a doubleheader against the Eau Claire Express. Jeff Zahn (Indiana State) provided a walk-off fielder’s choice in the bottom of the 11th in Game 1 while Hunter May (UNC-Charlotte) closed off a late Express rally to record his eighth save in Game 2.
They won by a score of 6-5 in Game 1 and sealed a 4-3 victory in Game 2. Tate Matheny (Missouri State) and Zahn led the Mallards at the plate in Game 1. Matheny finished 4-for-6 with two RBIs and a run scored while Zahn went 2-for-6.
Bre Kimbell (Louisiana Tech) led the way in Game 2 by going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.
6’9,” 270-pound Taylore Cherry (North Carolina) will make his second start of the season tonight for the Mallards. He allowed just one hit in his first start through three innings but had trouble finding the strike zone and issued four walks on June 30th against Battle Creek. He allowed one earned run and struck out three.
The Mallards will be squaring off against Rafters starter Greg Maisto (Texas A&M) for the second time this season. The 6’2,” 175-pound freshman is 0-2 on the year with a 6.54 ERA in seven appearances, all of which have been starts. He didn’t receive a decision in his start against the Mallards on June 5th and allowed two runs (both earned) on five hits in 4.2 innings. He walked four and struck out four.
Rolling Against the Rafters
The Madison Mallards have been at their best against the Rafters through their four games this season. The team is hitting .328 with six home runs and 32 RBIs. They are also averaging 8.75 runs per game against them. Conversely, the Mallards pitching staff has allowed only 11 earned runs in 35 innings against the Rafters this season.
Starting to Close Out the Close Ones
With a pair of one-run victories yesterday, the Mallards have improved their record in one-run games to 5-6. They were 2-6 at one point this season. The Rafters have made it a habit of sealing the nail-biters, as they hold an 8-2 record in one-run games.
Up Next:
The Mallards will close out their two-game set against the Rafters tomorrow at 5:05 pm at the “Duck Pond.” They will then travel to Eau Claire for a 6:35 pm game Monday.
Sunday’s game is the St. Mary’s Apple a Day Giveaway and Charter Communications will present BBoy McCoy! The Special Olympics Community Connection Night will and it will also be Faith Night at the “Duck Pond.”
The Madison Mallards are your Northwoods League South Division First Half Champions! Playoff tickets will go on sale Monday July 8th 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.
