By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — July 11, 2013. The Madison Mallards (6-2, 27-14) will look for their seventh win in their last eight games Thursday night at home against the Wisconsin Woodchucks (5-3, 18-24).
The Mallards will also look for their second-consecutive sweep, as the Mallards won the first game of their two-game set against the Woodchucks by a score of 9-7 last night.
The Mallards relievers withstood a late comeback attempt yesterday, as the Woodchucks loaded the bases with one out and the score 9-5 in the Mallards favor. They scored two against reliever Jack Livingston (Northwestern) before closer Hunter May (UNC-Charlotte) came in to notch a four-out save.
The Mallards had 13 hits last night but only one went for extra bases. Tate Matheny (Missouri State) went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI, John LaPrise (Virginia) went 2-for-4 with three runs scored and a pair of RBIs while Drew Weeks (North Florida) went 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a run scored to lead the team at the plate.
Nick Smith (Western Illinois) will make his 12th appearance (second start) of the season at the “Duck Pond” tonight. He gave up two runs (both earned) on two hits in three innings in his first start on July 5th against the Eau Claire Express. The Mallards went on to win 4-3. So far in the 2013 season, Smith’s record sits at 1-0 and he has an ERA of 8.56.
The Woodchucks will counter with the 6’1,” 205-pound Matt Ditman (Rice), who will make his fifth start of the season. He is arguably coming off of his best performance of the year from July 5th, when he went six innings and allowed only one run (earned) on six hits. He struck out seven. He is 0-1 with a 4.65 ERA in 19.1 innings of work so far this season.
Struggling Against Stieb
Woodchucks outfielder Tyler Stieb (San Joaquin Delta) has been unstoppable at the plate as of late. He went 3-for-5 with two RBIs against the Mallards last night and had another three-hit performance against Lakeshore on July 7th. Against the Mallards this year, Stieb is hitting .500 (6-for-12) with four RBIs.
Lockdown Bullpen
The Mallards came away with another close victory last night in Wausau thanks to a solid effort by the bullpen. In games where the Mallards lead after six innings this season, they hold a record of 19-1.
Up Next:
The Mallards will head to Mequon, Wisconsin tomorrow to finish a game that was suspended in the 16th inning on June 22nd and will play another game at 7:05 pm. They will continue the previously suspended game at 5:30 pm. The game was suspended because a City of Mequon ordinance states that an inning cannot begin past 11 pm. The game was tied at three after 16 innings.
They will play the Chinooks away from home on Saturday at 6:35 pm before concluding their series with Lakeshore on Sunday with a 5:05 pm game in Madison.
Sunday is the Service Industry Appreciation Night and fans can receive food and drink specials for the Service Industry during the game! TDS is also presenting the ZOOperstars! The Lion’s Sight Night Community Connection Night will also be held.
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.
