The Mallards are looking to rebound following last night’s extra-innings loss to Lakeshore, as they will match up with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters for the fifth time in seven days. They will play the Rafters again tomorrow at the Duck Pond and duel in another two-game set on the 14th and 15th in Wisconsin Rapids, wrapping up the season series in the first few weeks of 2016. The series is currently split at 2-2 with both teams winning their games on the road. Madison (7-3) holds a slim half-game lead in the division over the Rafters (6-3) early on in this season.
The story the past few days for the Mallards has been the disappearing act performed by their offense, as was evident in their two home games against the Rafters just a few days ago. After putting up at least seven runs in each of their first six games, Madison has now scored just 15 runs in their last four games. The pitching has staff has allowed 26 runs in that same stretch.
Last night’s game was the culmination of the Mallards play over the past few games, as they squandered a 4-0 lead that was created by three walked-in runs and an RBI groundout. Errors down the stretch would allow the Chinooks back in the ballgame, where they eventually beat the Mallards 8-6 in the 11th inning after a two-hour rain delay. The Mallards didn’t record a hit in the 4th through 8th innings, which will need to change if they want to keep pace with the red-hot Rafters.
To bounce back, the Mallards will turn to right-hander Colin Brockhouse (Ball State), who shined in his last start, earning Northwoods League Pitcher of the Night with his performance. The Forte Wayne, Indiana, native took a no-hitter into the 7th inning, eventually giving up one hit and one earned run to go with his seven punch-outs.
The Rafters will turn to Enrique Zamora (Calumet College of St. Joseph) to continue their hot play, as the Rafters have now won four in a row while outscoring their opponents 37-9 in that span. Zamora took a no decision in his only start of the season, allowing an earned run in 4.1 innings of work.
First pitch for tonight’s contest will be 7:05 pm. The game will feature a Chris Farley bobblehead giveaway, brought to you by Dentistry for Madison: Dr. Jay Hazen. There will also be a Chris Farley best-dressed costume contest. Tickets are available for purchase by visiting MallardsBaseball.com, calling the Mallards ticket office at 608-246-4277, or stopping in the ticket office at 2920 N Sherman Ave.
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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 23rd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2016, 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 150 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website. For more information, visit www.MallardsBaseball.com
