After splitting a four-game set with the Kenosha Kingfish (22-13), the Madison Mallards (19-16) are ready to start the Northwoods League second half. The Mallards finished the first half in fourth place in the NWL South Division and are set to pursue a second half title to earn a playoff spot.
The Mallards head into the second half playing solid baseball. Madison has won ten of their last fifteen games and despite last night’s 4-6 loss, the Mallards have shown the ability to win close, low-scoring games. The Mallards will look to get off to a quick start as they head to Michigan today to play a pair with both the Growlers and the Bombers.
The recent arrival of a few key players has benefitted the Mallards over the last few weeks. Second baseman Jake Snider (Louisville), who arrived last week, has made an impact in the Madison two-spot of the lineup. Snider is batting .417 through nine games and has displayed a great approach at the plate as he has drawn six walks while striking out only five times. Jacksonville infielder Sam Armstrong also arrived to Madison recently and has contributed to the Mallards offense. Armstrong hit a three-run shot last night to give the Mallards the lead in the early going.
Meanwhile, the steady bats that have been featured in the Madison lineup all season will look to continue on their torrid pace. Shortstop Cole Daily (Notre Dame), centerfielder Doran Turchin (Illinois) and right fielder Jeffery Mitchell Jr. (California) have been key parts of the Madison offense. Daily is hitting .350 out of the Mallards leadoff spot and leads the team in at bats, hits, runs, and stolen bases. Turchin and Mitchell Jr. have been huge run producers in the middle of the Mallards order as they have 34 and 33 RBI, respectively.
Newly arriving players will look to settle in and make an impact while the familiar faces in the Madison order continue to produce as the Mallards begin the second half.
Tonight, the Mallards matchup with the Growlers in Kalamazoo. Set to take the mound for Madison is Davis Moore (Fresno State). Moore has appeared in nine games this season for the Mallards. He’s tossed a total of 17.1 innings and owns a 3.11 ERA. His last two outings have both been starts, which both went smoothly. Last week against Wisconsin Rapids, Moore went 4.2 innings and gave up zero earned runs while striking out four.
Tonight’s game in Kalamazoo will get underway at 6:05 PM CT. The Mallards will return to the Duck Pond after their Michigan trip for a 4:05 PM game on Sunday, July 9th against the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. For live updates of tonight’s game, check out @MadisonMallards on Twitter and listen live on The Zone 1670AM or 106.7FM WOZN.
