Madison, Wis. – The Madison Mallards return home today to host a doubleheader against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. The pair of games are both be scheduled to be seven innings with game one beginning at 5:05 PM and game two will start 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one. The Rafters edged Madison last night in Rapids, 2-1. The Mallards explosive offense will look to get back on track tonight in Madison.
The Mallards pitching staff gave the team an excellent chance to win last night as they allowed only two runs on five hits. Madison relievers Dom Savino (Albany) and Jason Ruffcorn (Texas A&M) both held the Rafters scoreless in the late innings. More strong performances from the Mallards pen will give Madison an opportunity to take two games from the Rafters tonight.
Set to take the mound in game one for Madison is Heath Renz (UW-Whitewater). Renz owns a 3-1 record this season and sports a 4.82 ERA. Renz has worked 37.1 innings and has racked up 38 strikeouts while holding opposing batters to a .262 average. His tenth start of the season will be his first against Rapids this summer.
To oppose Renz, the Rafters send Jesse Slinger to the bump. Slinger, a 2017 all-star, has made seven starts and boasts a 1.98 ERA. Slinger as worked 50 innings and owns a 6-1 record. In a June 29th start against Madison, Slinger allowed six runs, five which were unearned, in 3.2 innings.
In game two, the Mallards will give the ball to Tristen Bayless (Texas A&M). Bayless will be making his fourth start and will look to improve his 0-2 record. Bayless has pitched 11.0 innings and has tallied ten strikeouts while walking eight.
Jack Eagan will start for the Rafters in the nightcap. Eagan has a perfect 7-0 record and owns a 3.30 ERA through 49.1 innings. Eagan has tallied 52 strikeouts while walking only 26. The Mallards have scratched across four runs against Eagan through his two starts against Madison this season.
Game Notes
Taylor’s July
Madison outfielder Zac Taylor (Illinois) has had a phenomenal July. As the month comes to a close, Taylor owns a .402 batting average and has driven in 23 runs this month. In July, Taylor has struck out only eight times while posting a .478 on base percentage
Back at the Duck Pond
Mallards infielder Sam Armstrong (Jacksonville) has been effective at Warner Park this season as he owns a .385 batting average at home. Armstrong has hit a pair of home runs and has driven in nine runs through seven games at the Duck Pond this season. Through the seven ballgames, Armstrong has gotten on base at a .500 clip.
Doing it All
University of Florida outfielder and reliever Andrew Baker has made an impact both on the mound and at the plate this season. Baker had two hits and an RBI last night and has now hit in four straight games. Baker also owns a 1.68 ERA through seven appearances out of the Madison bullpen.
Tonight’s first game is scheduled to start at 5:05 PM with game two beginning 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one. Gates are set to open at 4:00 PM. Tonight’s game features Rally Entertainment presented by Endres Manufacturing. For live updates of today’s game, check out @MadisonMallards on Twitter and listen live on The Zone 1670 AM or 106.7 FM WOZN.
