The Madison Mallards (17-13) took down the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (23-7) yesterday in both matchups of a double header. On a day when both games were scheduled to go seven innings, the Mallards claimed a 4-3 victory in ten innings and a 12-10 victory after eight innings of play. The Mallards will attempt to sweep the defending champs tonight at Warner Park.
Yesterday, Doran Turchin (Illinois) gave the Mallards a 12-10 lead with a pivotal three-run shot in the top of the eighth that ignited the game two victory. Turchin has been phenomenal offensively as he has reached in 22 straight games and also leads the league in RBI with 32. Turchin has been exceptional with runners on base as he is batting .447 with men on. Having Turchin in the middle of the lineup has been a huge difference maker for the Mallards.
Right fielder Jeffery Mitchell Jr. (California) has also been a key producer as he is batting .390 with runners in scoring position this season. Mitchell Jr. sits at third place in the NWL with 30 RBI and has reached base in 20 straight games.
Second baseman Jake Snider (Louisville), a recent addition to the Mallards roster, has been impressive through his first four games. Snider is batting .400 so far and tallied four hits between the two games yesterday. He has shown great discipline at the dish as he’s drawn four walks while striking out only twice.
Tonight, the Mallards return to the Duck Pond where they will have a chance to take three straight from the Rafters and continue the climb up the south division standings. Madison has won eight of their last ten games and now trails Wisconsin Rapids by six games.
Taking the hill for the Mallards is starting pitcher Heath Renz (UW-Whitewater) who carries a 2-0 record with a 2.21 earned run average. Renz earned a win in his last start after throwing five innings and allowing only 2 earned runs and striking out eight. Renz has held opposing batters to a .272 average this season and has tallied 20 total strikeouts while walking only ten.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM at Warner Park and gates are set to open at 5:30 PM. Tonight’s game features SSM Health Sun Prairie Night and also Let’s Make a Deal Night presented by Madison.com. For live updates of tonight’s game, check out @MadisonMallards on Twitter and to listen live tune into The Zone 1670AM or 106.7FM WOZN.
