Northwoods Madison Mallards

Mallards Go for Series Win; First Place in Battle Creek

Published on June 13, 2011 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


BATTLE CREEK, MI - June 13, 2011. In their biggest series thus far in the 2011 Northwoods League season, the Madison Mallards look to take two out of three from the Battle Creek Bombers at C.O. Brown Stadium Monday night. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:05 p.m.

After losing a pitcher's duel 2-1 on Saturday, the Mallards were able to take down the Bombers 11-1 Sunday to come within one-half game of first place in the South Division.

In game two, the Ducks relied on timely hitting and the pitching staff was solid yet again.

In order to come away with a series victory, Mallards' field manager Greg Labbe said the team needs to focus on one thing: intensity.

"The guys were lackluster," said Labbe, referring to game one of the series. "They didn't really pick things up until the ninth inning, and with our increased intensity came increased confidence. I know baseball is a grind, but we need to keep a high level of intensity to beat these guys (Battle Creek)."

Game two saw a heightened sense of intensity, and the Mallards out-performed the Bombers on every level to put a little pressure on the current division leaders.

Hoping to draw on a continuation of that intensity will be Mallards' starting pitcher Joel Effertz (Madison College). Effertz (1-0) has appeared in only one game for the Mallards this season after a great season that saw him help Madison College reach the NJCAA World Series. In his only start for the Ducks, Effertz went 6.2 innings and allowed no earned runs while striking out nine batters in the Mallards' 3-1 win over Wisconsin on June 6th.

After their offensive explosion Sunday, the Mallards now find themselves atop the Northwoods League in terms of overall team batting average, hitting at a .290 clip. Battle Creek remains close behind at .281.

Battle Creek's team ERA increased to 4.17 as well after allowing eleven runs Sunday. The Mallards, however, decreased their ERA and are still fourth in the league with an impressive 2.51 average.

Battle Creek starter Tony Forton (Western Michigan) will take the mound hoping to make that team ERA smaller. It will be a tough task for Forton (1-1), even though he has a miniscule 0.77 ERA in two appearances already for the Bombers.

The task of beating Forton will be equally challenging for the Mallards. However, players Mike McQuillan (Iowa), Jordan Owen (Tennessee-Martin), Jumpy Garcia (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi), Andrew Barna (Davidson), and Michael Handel (Minnesota) will lead a potent Mallards' attack after all five players tallied at least two hits on Sunday.

In the NewsMallards' catcher/infielder Jumpy Garcia was named the Northwoods League "Player of the Night" after a stellar game against the Bombers. Garcia went 3-4 at the plate and drove in three runs while scoring twice. With his performance, Garcia increased his batting average to .500 on the season.

Upcoming Promotions at the "Duck Pond"

June 14thYP.com "Barrel-O-Monkeys" Night. The first 1,000 fans will receive a barrel of monkeys courtesy of YP.com.

Teacher Appreciation Night. Teachers will receive 2-for-1 box tickets with their teacher ID.

June 15thMadison Parks Night.

Bucky Books Night. The first 1,000 families through the gate will receive Bucky Books.

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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Northwoods League Stories from June 13, 2011


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