The Madison Mallards (13-15, 32-31) look to bounce back against Kalamazoo Growlers (11-16, 18-43) tonight at Warner Park. Kalamazoo took both games of the doubleheader yesterday and Madison will look to avoid a three-game series sweep.
Madison has had a tough time lately in close ballgames, but the Mallards bats have come through in some key situations. Last night, Maverick Handley’s (Stanford) two-run shot gave the Mallards the lead in game one and Sam Armstrong’s (Jacksonville) two-run bomb put Madison on the board in game two.
Armstrong has been spectacular at Warner Park this season as he owns a .333 average through 14 games at the Duck Pond. All four of his home runs have happened at home this season and he has knocked in 16 runs.
The Mallards will send Tyler Dyson (Florida) to the mound with hopes of evading the sweep. Dyson has been Madison’s best hurler lately. Dyson has made four starts this summer and owns a 3-0 record and an impressive 1.66 ERA through 21.2 innings. He has racked up 21 strikeouts while issuing only two walks. Dyson went 6.2 innings in his last start and allowed two runs while striking out seven and earning a win.
To oppose Dyson, the Growlers are scheduled to start Connor Manous. Manous, a 2017 NWL All-Star, has made nine starts and has tossed 47.2 innings this season. Manous has compiled 41 strikeouts while posting a 3.02 ERA and a 3-1 record. Over his last 19.1 innings, Manous has allowed only four earned runs.
Game Notes
Playoff Race
The Mallards, who own a 32-31 overall record this season, are currently a game and a half out of the final playoff spot in the NWL South. Madison is a game and a half behind both the Lakeshore Chinooks and the Kenosha Kingfish with nine games remaining in the season. Madison faces Lakeshore for two games this weekend.
More from Mav
Mallards catcher Maverick Handley (Stanford) has been performing well at the plate lately. He owns a .333 average over his last six games and has knocked in seven runs. The most important aspect of his recent hot streak may be his patience at the plate. Handley has drawn five walks and struck out only once while owning a .524 on base percentage over the last week.
Tonight’s game with the Growlers is scheduled to start at 7:05 PM and gates are set to open at 5:30 PM. The game features Animart’s Bark-In-The-Park Night with a doggy chip clip giveaway presented by Madison Veterinary Specialists. Bring your pooch to the park! 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.
