Northwoods Madison Mallards

Mallards to Face Woodchucks in Wausau Tonight

June 6, 2011 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


MADISON, WI - June 6, 2011. One day after suffering their first loss of the season, the Madison Mallards once again hit the road as they face the Wisconsin Woodchucks tonight at Athletic Park.

The team looks to rebound after being held to a season-low five hits offensively and giving up a season-high eight runs to the La Crosse Loggers yesterday.

Hoping to get the Mallards back on track is pitcher Joel Effertz (Madison College). Effertz reported to the team today and will be making his first appearance of the season after helping Madison College advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) World Series.

A native of nearby Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Effertz pitched well for WolfPack this past season, going 7-4 with a 3.03 ERA in thirteen appearances. He pitched 71.1 innings and struck out 79 opponents, compared to only 27 walks.

"We're extremely excited to have Joel with the team," said field manager Greg Labbe. "We needed the extra help for our pitching staff so we can keep guys as fresh and healthy as possible."

Labbe also said that he expects Effertz, a right-handed pitcher to play well in his season debut.

"Anywhere from five to seven good innings of work from Joel would be tremendous. We threw four guys yesterday, so our possibilities are a little limited."

Also looking to help out of the bullpen is Dan Tobik (Tennessee-Martin). Like Effertz, Tobik reported to the Mallards earlier today and is a welcomed addition to the staff.

The 1-4 Woodchucks will counter with Jerad Harvey (Feather River Community College). Harvey (0-1) will be making his second start of the season after an opening day loss against Eau Claire. In the start versus the Express, he went 5.2 innings, allowing three runs on six hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.

First pitch of the brief one-game stint in Wausau is 6:35 p.m. Following the game tonight, both teams will make the trip south to Madison as the Mallards get ready to face the Woodchucks in their home-opening series at the "Duck Pond."

The Madison Mallards are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League and will open 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 6, 2011


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