Wisconsin Rapids, WI – July 8, 2014. After splitting a two game road series against the Kalamazoo Growers in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Madison Mallards (5-2, 23-17) return west to square off against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (2-3, 14-26) tonight in Wisconsin Rapids at 7:05 pm.
Mallards starter Tyler Buffett (Oklahoma State) gets the call against the Rafters after his last start, where gave up two earned runs on seven hits while striking out three in a 6-3 win over the Growlers on June 3rd.
Buffett carries a 4.15 ERA in 13 innings pitched, having struck out 12 batters while walking only six. The Albuquerque, New Mexico native will go against Domenic Mazza, a 6’1”, 195-pound lefty out of UC-Santa Barbara.
Mazza has started twice for the Rafters this summer and holds a 1.63 ERA in 11 innings of work, allowing two runs on seven hits while walking seven and striking out 15.
In his last start, Mazza tossed six innings of one run ball, giving up three hits and three walks while striking out nine.
Last night, the Mallards beat the Growlers by a score of 7-4 after scoring four runs in the first inning.
First baseman Pete Alonso (Florida) led the Mallards with two RBI, both coming in the top of the first.
The Mallards would add one run in each the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Seven different Mallards recorded hits, and chipping in offensively was shortstop Trace Tam Sing (Washington State), who tripled, doubled and walked while scoring twice.
Mallards starter Kirby Snead (Florida) held the Growlers to two runs on four hits while striking out five to move to 3-0 on the season.
Mallards closer Tim Black retired one Growlers batter in the bottom of the ninth to receive his 12th save of the year.
The Mallards stay in Wisconsin Rapids tomorrow to continue their five game road trip against the Rafters at 7:05 pm. They play two more at Witter Field before returning to the “Duck Pond” on July 11th to face the Rafters at 7:05 pm.
Friday the 11th will feature a MIG Commercial Real Estate LEGO Building Giveaway. It is also Circus World Night with live circus entertainment and Remington Beard Night.
Mallards single game tickets are on-sale now. To purchase tickets, log on to MallardsBaseball.com, call 608-246-4277, or stop by the Mallards ticket office.
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The Madison Mallards are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit MallardsBaseball.com.
