Madison, Wis. – The Madison Mallards (7-5, 26-21) resume play tonight to take on the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (7-4, 34-13) at Warner Park at 7:05 PM. The Mallards will look to build on momentum from before the all-star break when they won six of seven ballgames.
Tonight’s game is the first of a two-game set between the Mallards and Rafters who are both positioned at the top of the NWL South Division. The Rafters hold a .5 game lead over Madison in the second half of the season. The pair of games between the teams will have a direct impact on rights to first place.
Scheduled to start tonight for the Mallards is Nate Brown. Brown, a freshman from the National Champion Florida Gators, will be making his third start with the Mallards. Brown has tossed nine total innings this summer and owns a 4.00 ERA. He has allowed seven hits and tallied 11 strikeouts while holding opposing batters to a .219 batting average.
Scheduled to oppose Brown in Rapids starter Isaiah Carranza. Carranza, a sophomore from Oregon, has made four starts and owns a perfect 4-0 record. He has tossed 26.2 innings with a 2.36 ERA and 28 strikeouts and only six walks.
Game Notes
Evenly Matched
Through four meetings this season, the Mallards own a 2-2 record against the Rafters. Madison infielder Thomas Smart (Oakton) has six hits in 17 at bats against the Rafters this season. The remaining games against Rapids are crucial for the Mallards as they battle for the second-half division crown.
Brilliant Buckley
Madison reliever Andrew Buckley (California) has been spectacular over his last four appearances. He hasn’t allowed any runs and just two hits while striking out five over his last 5.1 innings of work.
Daily’s Dominance
Mallards all-star shortstop Cole Daily (Notre Dame) has reached base in 35 straight games and owns a seven game hit streak. Daily, who knocked in the go-ahead run in Tuesday’ NWL All-Star Game, will look to continue his torrid offensive pace after the all-star break. Daily leads the league with 67 hits and 55 runs.
Settling In
Madison first baseman David Vinsky (Northwoods) has made an immediate impact for the Mallards offense. Vinsky has played in nine games since arriving in early July and owns a .359 batting average. Vinsky has tallied a pair of hits in each of his last three games.
Tonight’s game is set to get underway at 7:05 PM at the Duck Pond and gates are scheduled to open at 5:30 PM. Tonight’s game features Brew Pub Pizza Night with a baseball giveaway. Also tonight’s game features UW Badger Baseball Alumni Night. For live updates of tonight’s game, check out @MadisonMallards on Twitter and listen live on The Zone 1670 AM or 106.7 FM WOZN.
