By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations
Madison, WI — July 31, 2013. The Madison Mallards (16-9, 37-21) will start the second inter-divisional series of the season and continue a nine-game home stand Wednesday night at the ‘Duck Pond’ against the Willmar Stingers (9-13, 32-35). First pitch is slated for 7:05 pm.
The Mallards split a two-game set with the Mankato MoonDogs after a 6-2 loss last night. The Mallards scored a run in each of the first two innings but would be shutout after that. Mallards starter Luke Staub (George Washington) barely got through the second inning by giving up four runs (two earned). He had to exit because of a Northwoods League rule stating a pitcher must stop throwing if they throw 35 pitches in an inning.
The Mallards would fail to get two base runners on in an inning until the seventh with the score 6-2 in the MoonDogs favor. MoonDogs reliever Paul Mittura (Middle Tennessee St.) pitched a scoreless eighth but allowed a single and two walks to bring Drew Weeks (North Florida) to the plate with the bases loaded in the ninth. Jess Amedee (UT-Arlington) then came in and struck out Weeks on four pitches to get the save.
Pitching tonight for the Mallards will be Corey Fischer (Madison College) and it will be his first start of the season. He has appeared in six relief appearances and has an ERA of just 1.50 over his 12 innings of work but has yet to receive a decision. He last pitched on July 26th at home against Battle Creek and allowed one run (earned) on four hits in 3.1 innings.
The Stingers will also be sending a pitcher to the mound that has worked primarily out of the bullpen so far this season in Drew Jacobs (San Diego). He will be making his second start (11th appearance) and has a 6.45 ERA through 15.1 innings and has also not received a decision. His lone start of the season came on July 16th at Waterloo, where he went 3.2 innings and allowed one run (earned) on three hits.
Clash of the RBI Machines
The top two run producers in the league will meet at the “Duck Pond” Wednesday and Thursday in Willmar’s first baseman Marc Flores (Hawaii) and Mallards outfielder Drew Weeks (North Florida). Flores moved into first place in RBIs (50) after knocking in one run against Green Bay last night, while Weeks sits one back at 49. Weeks, meanwhile, has not knocked in a run in the last four games.
Up Next:
The Mallards will play the series finale against the Stingers at the “Duck Pond” at 7:05 pm Thursday. The Mallards will then host the La Crosse Loggers Friday and Saturday night. Friday night’s game is scheduled for 7:05 pm while Saturday’s is set for a 6:05 pm start.
There will be an appearance from Larry Thomas, the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld on Thursday! It is also Globe University Dog Day at the Park! There will also be a team poster giveaway and the Dane County Humane Society Community Connection Night will 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.
