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Northwoods Madison Mallards

Mallards Go for Sweep in Rapids Tonight

June 3, 2011 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI - June 3, 2011. The Madison Mallards will take the field on Friday night looking for a three-game sweep of the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters to start the 2011 Northwoods League season. Up to this point, the Mallards have been able to defeat the Rafters by utilizing all components of their roster makeup.

On the offensive side, the team is only averaging 3.5 runs per game but has amassed a total of 23 hits, good for a league-leading .338 batting average. Mallards base runners have also stolen four bases and advanced on a couple of wild pitches.

"I like the approach our guys are taking at the plate," field manager Greg Labbe said. "We need to continue to manufacture runs. We are a fast team on the bases and we can take pressure off of our hitters with quality base running."

Pitching and defense has also been a strong point for the Ducks. Through eighteen innings pitched, the Mallards have only given up four runs, good for a 1.50 ERA, behind only the Bullfrogs for the best team ERA. Control has also been good for the pitching staff, allowing only thirteen total hits and three walks while accumulating 22 strikeouts.

Hoping to continue the trend of solid pitching tonight is lefty Cash Collins (Wofford). Collins had a good year for the Terriers, going 8-4 with a 3.15 ERA in eighteen appearances which included fourteen starts. Collins also led Wofford in both walks and strikeouts, with 32 and 59 respectively.

"Cash is an experienced guy who has gone up against some of the best arms in the country. We're looking at keeping his pitch count at a respectable level, but also working on efficiency and control," Labbe said.

"He's a real talented kid. His bullpen sessions have been great and I'm looking forward to seeing him pitch."

Hoping to salvage the series for the Rafters is Nestor Bautista (Ball State). Bautista will be the third left-handed pitcher in a row to face the Mallards. At Ball State, the freshman made fourteen appearances, going 0-5 with a 9.11 ERA.

First pitch of tonight's contest between these South Division rivals will be 7:35 p.m. at Witter Field.

In the News

For the second game in a row, a Mallards player has been recognized by the Northwoods League for an outstanding performance. Winning the daily honor of pitcher of the night was Chris Burgess (Blackhawk College). Burgess went seven strong innings allowing only two runs on five hits, walked no batters and struck out eight earning the victory. Burgess is 1-0 on the young season.

The Madison Mallards are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League and will play a 70-game schedule in the new-and-improved "Duck Pond" beginning on Opening Day, June 7th against the Wisconsin Woodchucks at 7:05p.m.

Single-game tickets for the 2011 season are now on sale! 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" weekdays 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. & 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday's. Group tickets, including hospitality areas perfect for company outings are on sale as well.



Northwoods League Stories from June 3, 2011


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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