By: Ryan Hill — Public Relations

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. August 5, 2013. The Madison Mallards (16-14, 37-26) will try to avoid a sweep against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (10-18, 29-34) tonight at Witter Field and will also hope to avoid a seven-game losing streak. First pitch is at 7:05 pm.

The Mallards appeared to have all the momentum and looked to be on their way to snapping a five-game losing streak yesterday against the Rafters until an eight-run comeback was erased by a five-run inning from the Rafters.

After pulling ahead by a score of 10-9 after being down 9-1, Mallards reliever Charlie Naso (Illinois) was inches away from not allowing a single run in the seventh. George Ragsdale (Virginia) worked a full count with two outs and the bases loaded and checked his swing on a breaking ball from Naso, but the appeal to the field umpire stated that he held up, allowing the Rafters to tie things at 10. Danny Sullivan (Davenport) then came in but allowed Donnie Dewees (North Florida) to hit a grand slam to dead center in the next at-bat.

The Mallards went down in order in the eighth but put two runners on after an Alex Bacon (North Florida) double and a Brock Stewart (Illinois State) walk in the ninth but couldn’t find a way to push them across.

Mallards ace Luke Staub (George Washington) is set to start on the hill and will try to bounce back from his roughest start of the season. He surpassed the 35-pitch per inning rule in the second inning of his last start on July 30th against the Mankato MoonDogs and was forced to exit. He gave up four runs (two earned) on just two hits but walked two and struck out three. He also hasn’t received a win since July 1st in an 11-1 win over Battle Creek but still holds a record of 3-4 with a 1.87 ERA on the season.

On the hill for the Rafters will be UW-Stevens Point product Brad Stroik. The 6’4,” 210-pounder is 4-3 on the year with a 3.02 ERA but had his roughest start against the Mallards on June 24th at the “Duck Pond” and was hurt by a poor defense. He allowed nine runs but only three were earned over just 1.2 innings and the Mallards went on to win 13-3. In Stroik’s last four starts, he is 2-0 and has gone at least six innings while allowing two runs or less.

Dominating Donnie

Dewees’ impressive night last night came as no surprise to most Rafters fans, as he is perhaps carrying one of the hottest bats in the league. Over his last 10 games, Dewees is hitting .372 (16-for-43) with two home runs and 13 RBIs. His 12 home runs on the season are tied for third in the league.

Up Next: 

The Mallards travel to Willmar, Minnesota to take on the Stingers on Tuesday to start a two-game series. Both games will start at 7:05 pm. The Mallards close out their six-game road trip with a pair of games against the Mankato MoonDogs on Thursday and Friday. Both of those games are scheduled for 7:05 pm as well.

The Mallards return home on Saturday, August 10th against the Lakeshore Chinooks for a 6:05 pm game. There will be a Mallards Trading Card Giveaway presented by Charter Communications and it will also be Back to School Night! Roy Sievers, a former MLB All-Star, will also be making an appearance. The United Way Community Connection Night will also take place that night and Budweiser will provide post-game fireworks.

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.