The Madison Mallards (14-15, 33-31) are set for a two-game series with the Lakeshore Chinooks (16-12, 34-29). The teams square off at Warner Park tonight before heading to Kapco Park tomorrow. The Chinooks hold a 1.5 game lead on the Mallards for the final spot in the NWL playoffs. With eight games to play, the next two ballgames with the Chinooks have huge implications in the playoff race.
Last night, the Mallards pounded 13 hits and racked up nine runs in a 9-3 win against the Kalamazoo Growlers. Madison recieved a fantastic start from Tyler Dyson (Florida) who went 6.2 innings and struck out eight while allowing only one run. Zac Taylor had a phenomenal night at the plate as he was 4-for-4 with a home run and two doubles. Madison’s offense will look to build on the performance from last night.
Scheduled to take the mound for Madison is Texas A&M righty Tristen Bayless. Bayless will be making his fourth start of the summer and will look for his first win. He has worked 14.2 innings this season while striking out 14. The Mallards will look for another quality outing after Dyson’s spectacular start last night. The Mallards pitching staff has been solid recently as they have only allowed 28 earned runs over the last ten ballgames. Meanwhile, Madison has racked up 70 strikeouts while walking only 40 over its last ten games.
To oppose Bayless, the Chinooks are set to start Luke Sommerfeld. Sommerfeld has pitched in 14 games and has compiled 30.1 innings, mostly out of the bullpen. His start tonight will be his fourth and he will look to improve his 2-1record. Sommerfeld owns a 4.45 ERA and has tallied 21 strikeouts and 18 walks this summer.
With a victory over Lakeshore tonight, the Mallards will pull within a half game of the final playoff spot in the NWL South. Madison will have to play its best baseball down the stretch to claim a place in the NWL Playoffs.
Game Notes
Staying Hot
Madison infielder Sam Armstrong (Jacksonville) had a pair of hits last night and now has hit in four straight games. Armstong knocked in three runs yesterday and now has 28 RBI this season and four home runs.
David Vinsky (Northwood) had a pair of doubles last night and now has seven this season. Vinsky has made a big offensive impact since his arrival and owns a .330 average.
Tonight’s game with the Chinooks is scheduled to begin at 6:35 PM. Gates are set to open at 5:00 PM and the game will feature Gorilla Movers of Wisconsin James Madison bobblehead giveaway. 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.
