Madison, WI – June 2, 2012. The Madison Mallards (3-0) will play the second of a three game weekend series and their first road game of the season against the La Crosse Loggers (1-2). First pitch is schedueled for 6:05 pm.
Last night the Mallards edged out a 3-2 win off a walk-off single to right field by second baseman Luis Munoz (Coffeyville CC) that scored left fielder Tom Lally (Central Michigan).
The win also put the Mallards at 3-0 on their first home stand of the season. The Mallards were able to count on quality starting pitching as their starters went a combined 20.0 innings and posted a collective 2.25 ERA on the home stand.
Looking to continue that trend for the Mallards tonight will be right-hander Brandon Barker (Mercer). After just arriving in Madison yesterday the Woodstock, Georgia native will be expected to deliver the Mallards a win in their first road test of the season. In his second season at Mercer he appeared in 22 games for the Bears, starting 12. Over 72.2 innings of work he went 5-5 and posted a 3.47 ERA with 57 strikeouts.
Taking the hill for the Loggers will be right-hander Bo Henning (Sacramento CC). During his sophomore season at Sacramento Henning appeared in 17 games, starting seven. In 48.2 innings of work he compiled a 4.25 ERA with 30 strikeouts and .242 average against him.
Right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida) has been red hot to start the season for the Mallards and will be at the heart of the lineup again tonight. Last night he went 3-4 including a double and an RBI, giving him four RBIs on the season and currently tied for fourth in the league. He has also been a menace on the base paths for the Mallards this season, his four stolen bases lead the South Divison.
Mallards pitchers will have to proceed with caution tonight against Logger infielder Juliene Jones (Sacramento CC). Jones continued his fast start to the season last night, driving in the Loggers only two runs with a home run off of Mallards starter Trevor Foss. He is currently tied for the league lead in home runs at two and is currently hitting .545.
The Mallards will conclude their two game road trip to La Crosse tomorrow as they finish their three game series against the Loggers. They return to the “Duck Pond” on Monday, June 4th to square off against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. That night will be Charter Communications Swamp People Night at the ballpark, Mallards fans will have the opportunity to meet Bruce Mitchell from the hit TV show.
The 2012 season is upon us! Single-game tickets are on-sale for all Mallards home games!
The Madison Mallards are part of the 16-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America.
