Eau Claire, WI – July 8, 2013. The Madison Mallards (3-2, 24-14) will take on the Eau Claire Express (3-2, 15-24) tonight at Carson Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm.
The Mallards will send lefty Shawn Hunter (Oklahoma State) to the mound tonight. Hunter will be making his first start. He has appeared in seven games for the Mallards with a 12.96 ERA. He will look to get back on track after struggling in his last two appearances when he has given up eight earned runs in 3.2 innings.
Starting for the Express will be 6’1″, 200-pound TJ Schrader (Northern Illinois). Scrader is 0-1 with a 15.75 ERA and will also be making his first start. He has appeared in three games, giving up seven earned runs in 4.0 innings pitched.
Geonte Heating Up
After struggling mightily to begin the season, Mallards third baseman Geonte Jackson (San Jacinto CC) has turned in on lately. He is hitting .389 with four runs scored, two doubles, and two RBIs in his last five games played.
Halting the Train
The Mallards have fared well against the Express this season. They are currently 5-1 against the Express. Despite a 12-5 loss Mallards pitching has been exceptional. They sport a 3.53 ERA, and 46 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched.
The Mallards will return to the “Duck Pond” Tuesday for the second game in the series against the Express. First pitch for Tuesday is 7:05 pm.
Tuesday night is the Dane County Regional Airport Balsa Wood Airplane Giveaway. Fans will have the chance to win $5,000 in a post-game airplane toss. It will also be Social Media Night as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Communication Connection Night.
The Madison Mallards are your Northwoods League South Division First Half Champions! Playoff 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.
