The Madison Mallards (18-18, 37-34) are set to close out the season as they face off with the Battle Creek Bombers (22-14, 42-29) on Sunday evening at Warner Park. The Mallards took game one of the series last night with an exciting 7-3 win. Although the Mallards are out of contention for the NWL Playoffs, the Mallards can post a winning record in the second half with a win tonight.
Last night, the Mallards used timely hitting to hold off the Bombers. Key extra base hits by Zac Taylor (Illinois) and Maverick Handley (Stanford) and a two-run bomb by Sam Armstrong (Jacksonville) provided the Mallards with enough run support for Matt Horkey (UNC-Charlotte) and the Madison bullpen. Handley has hit in four straight games and has now knocked in 24 runs this season.
Scheduled to start for the Mallards tonight is Florida righty Nate Brown. Brown will be making his sixth start of the season and will be looking for his first win. Brown has tossed 21.1 innings this summer and has held opposing batters to a .143 batting average.
The Bombers will send Tyler Kirkwood to the mound to oppose Brown tonight. Kirkwood has only made two starts this season and has allowed 11 runs in just three innings of work. The Mallards will look to attack Kirkwood right away as he has allowed opposing batters to hit .556 this season.
Game Notes
Summer Dominance
The Mallards will be going for their sixth win of the season against the Bombers, who have clinched the second playoff spot in the NWL South. The Mallards have held the Bombers to a .228 batting average and have issued only 19 walks while tallying 55 strikeouts this summer. Maverick Handley has knocked in seven runs against Battle Creek.
Friendly Confines
The Mallards offense has fared much better at Warner Park this season compared to their production on the road. The Mallards own a .277 team batting average at the Duck Pond this summer and infielder Sam Armstrong (Jacksonville) has led the charge. Armstrong sports a .328 clip at home and has hit each of his five home runs at Warner Park.
Tonight’s game is scheduled to start at 4:05 PM and gates will open at 2:30 PM. It is Fan Appreciation night featuring the ZOOperstars! presented by TDS. Also, today’s game features Barstool Sports Night in The Great Dane Duck Blind. Listen to all Mallards games live by tuning into The Zone 106.7 FM or 1670 AM. For more Mallards coverage, visit mallardsbaseball.com.
