Yesterday, the Madison Mallards (5-9) fell on a walk-off single to the Rockford Rivets (9-6) after building a 6-4 lead going into the final inning. Tonight, the Mallards will look to rebound and split the two-game series in Rockford.

In game one against the Rivets, the Mallards offense put the team in position to win the ballgame. Second baseman Nick Schrader (Western Illinois) had a pair of RBI singles as he knocked in three runs. Shortstop Cole Daily (Notre Dame) reached base three times as he had two hits and a walk while also driving in a run. Tonight, the Mallards will again look to get on the board early and often. Kian O’Brien, who had two hits yesterday, and Angel Camacho (Jacksonville) will look to spark the middle of the Mallards lineup.

Scheduled to take the bump for the Mallards is starting pitcher Matt Horkey. Horkey, a junior lefty from UNC Charlotte, has pitched in two games this season. He has tossed 5.2 innings while striking out four and allowing just one run. Horkey’s last outing was a start against the Rivets in Madison in which he lasted 4.2 innings and struck out three.

Set to oppose Horkey is Rivets starter Jeffery Barton. Barton has made two starts so far this season, one coming against the Mallards last week. At the Duck Pond, Barton pitched 5.0 innings and gave up seven runs. The game ended up being a rout as Madison went on to win 19-5.

First pitch is set for 6:35 PM this evening at Rivets Stadium in Rockford. To listen live, tune into The Zone 106.7 FM or 1670 AM. The Mallards return home on Thursday, June 15th to face the Green Bay Bullfrogs at 7:05 PM. For more Mallards coverage check out mallardsbaseball.com. To follow along with live updates, check out @MadisonMallards on Twitter.