The Madison Mallards (16-17, 35-33) take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks (9-24, 24-44) in Wausau tonight at 6:35 PM. With four games remaining in the season, the Mallards sit two and a half games back from the Lakeshore Chinooks who hold the final playoff spot in the Northwoods League South.

Last night, the Mallards offense couldn’t string hits together and only scratched across one run in a 6-1 loss against the Bullfrogs. Despite the loss, the Mallards bullpen was phenomenal as they pitched 6.2 innings and allowed only one run. If the Mallards offense can get back on track tonight, Madison can pick up the key victory.

Scheduled to start for the Mallards tonight is Steve Gavin. Gavin, a Junior from Edgewood College, will be making his first appearance for the Mallards. This spring, Gavin pitched 67.2 innings and held an impressive 2.13 ERA and a 4-2 record. Gavin tallied 55 strikeouts while holding batters to a .236 batting average.

Game Notes

Season Series

The Mallards are 4-2 against the Woodchucks this season and the Mallards pitching staff has only allowed 20 runs while scoring 45. Doran Turchin (Illinois) has owned Wisconsin pitching this season as he is 9-for-17 at the plate and has knocked in eight runs in five games against the Woodchucks.

More from Maverick

Mallards catcher Maverick Handley (Stanford) has been hot at the plate down the stretch as he owns a .303 average over his last eight games. Handley has also knocked in five runs total in the last eight ballgames.

Tonight’s game in Wausau is scheduled to start at 6:35 PM. The Mallards will return to Warner Park on Saturday night to face the Battle Creek Bombers. The game is scheduled to start at 6:35 PM and gates will open at 5:00 PM. The game features the SweetRight Brothers presented by Madison Gas and Electric. It is also UW Health Strike Out Stroke Night. Listen to all Mallards games live by tuning into The Zone 106.7 FM or 1670 AM. For more Mallards coverage, visit mallardsbaseball.com.