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Madison Mallards

Home Sweet Home; Ducks Back to Take on Express

June 14, 2011 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


MADISON, WI - June 14, 2011. After losing two out of three games against the Battle Creek Bombers in Michigan, the Madison Mallards return home to Warner Park to face the Eau Claire Express Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.

The Mallards come into Tuesday's matchup with a 7-5 record, one-half game behind the 8-5 Express for second place in the South Division. The team will play five of their next six games at the "Duck Pond" after playing eight of their first twelve games away from Madison.

"It will be nice to be home for a little while," said Mallards' field manager Greg Labbe. "It'll help to have the fans on our side and the stresses of travel will be lifted for a bit, which will help the guys relax."

After starting the season 4-0, the Ducks have lost five of eight.

"The guys will benefit from this start to the season," said Labbe. "We have a great group of players who genuinely love to play the game. Being at home will hopefully get us back on track."

Leading the Mallards tonight will be Rusty Shellhorn (Texas Tech). Shellhorn has been a reliable starter for Madison this season, with a 1-0 record and an ERA of 2.46 in two starts.

On the mound for Eau Claire will be Matt McDaniel (San Diego State). McDaniel is 1-1 this season after winning on June 2nd and losing on the 8th. He has compiled an ERA of 4.50 in twelve complete innings of work.

The two-game series will feature the two most potent offenses in the entire league. Madison still tops the league in batting average at .289, but Eau Claire is nipping at their heels with a .286 clip of their own.

Eau Claire is led by Garett Custons (Air Force) and Ryan Shober (Illinois-Chicago), the third and eighth-best hitters in the league respectively. Custons is hitting .397 and is also third in the league with 11 RBI. Shober is hitting .364.

Looking to spark the offense for the Mallards will be Tyler Jones (Long Island) and Nate Theunissen (Central Michigan), the top two hitters for the Mallards this season.

Tonight's Promotions

Tonight is YP.com "Barrel-O-Monkeys Night." the first 1,000 fans will receive a barrel of monkeys compliments of YP.com.

It is also Teacher Appreciation Night, where all teachers who present a valid teacher's ID will receive 2-for-1 box tickets.

In the News

The Mallards are excited to announce that they have signed catcher Adam Davis (Illinois) to a temporary contract. Davis, who has played for the Mallards before, had a stellar year for the Fighting Illini, helping them to a share of the Big Ten regular season title and the Big Ten tournament title. Davis will report Tuesday and will be in uniform for the game against the Express.

The Madison Mallards are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. Great seats remain for all games! Fans can purchase tickets one of three ways: 1) online by clicking here, 2) over the phone by calling the ticket office at 608.316.DUCK (3825), or 3) in-person at the "Duck Pond." Group tickets, including hospitality areas perfect for company outings are on sale as well.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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