Last night the Madison Mallards (41-27) completed a sweep against the Battle Creek Bombers (22-46) after winning game two in dominant fashion, 13-0. Madison’s explosive offense was guided by strong arms on the mound, helping the team claim their 41st win of the summer.

Today, the Mallards are traveling to Witter Field to compete against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (43-25) for one more series during the regular season. This is their sixth set against each other, the overall record meeting is 6-4, in favor of the Rafters. Three of the series have been sweeps, one for Madison and two for Wisconsin Rapids. The other two were series splits.

The Rafters currently sit in first place in the Great Lakes West Division overall standings, with the Mallards trailing by two games in second place. During the second half of the season, the Rafters jumped ahead to take first place and are four games ahead of the third place Mallards.

Since the Rafters are sitting in first for the second half with the regular season coming to a close, they have a chance to clinch a guaranteed first round playoff spot.

On the mound tonight is Eliot Turnquist (Madison College). The Wisconsin native is making his seventh appearance and sixth start of the summer. Across 21.2 innings pitched he has accomplished 26 strikeouts and allowed only seven walks. He holds a 3-1 record and an impressive 2.90 ERA.  His last outing was during the Major League Dreams Showcase, where he picked up the win for the visiting team during game two.

First pitch for tonight’s game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Game two tomorrow evening is also slated for a 7:05 p.m. start time.