Northwoods Madison Mallards

Pivotal Three-Game Series Vs. Loggers Starts Saturday

Published on July 30, 2011 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


MADISON, WI - July 30, 2011. The Madison Mallards will return to the "Duck Pond" Saturday to begin a three-game series with the La Crosse Loggers at 6:05 p.m. The series is the biggest for the Mallards in the second half of the season, as they face the first-place Loggers looking to get back to .500 for the first time since the team was 1-1 on July 8.

Defeating the Loggers will be a tough task for Madison, as La Crosse has won 14 of 20 games this half behind both strong offense and defense.

Leading the way for La Crosse as of late is Jimmy Brennan (St. John's). Over the past seven days, Brennan has hit .368 with two home runs and five RBI. Also slugging the Loggers to victory has been Louie Lechich (California) and Jimmy Bosco (Arkansas), who have both hit two home runs as well.

Hoping to keep the Loggers at bay is Mallards' starter Nick Sutherland (Minnesota State - Mankato). Sutherland is coming off of his best start of the season when he went seven innings allowing two runs in a 3-2 win over Eau Claire one week ago on July 23. He is 1-2 on the season with a 5.08 earned run average and has pitched against the Loggers three times out of the bullpen. The Mallards are 10-5 when Sutherland pitches, including 3-0 against La Crosse.

The Mallards' offense is also going to be a tough out for the Loggers Saturday. The Madison hitters have propelled the team to a 6-3 record since the All-Star break and have scored 28 runs in the last four games. Perhaps most importantly, the team has not needed to rely on All-Stars Nate Theunissen (Central Michigan) and Jordan Owen (Tennessee - Martin) as of late to drive home runs. The team has been incredibly patient at the plate and aggressive on the bases, leading to excellent RBI opportunities for everyone in the lineup.

Trevor Teykl (Texas) will get the starting nod for La Crosse Saturday. Teykl is 1-3 with a 3.97 ERA on the season in 17 appearances. He has made only one start this season, and has faced the Mallards three times. One of his three losses came against the Mallards on July 16 in a 9-7 loss in game one of a double-header in La Crosse. La Crosse is 9-8 when he pitches, including 1-2 versus Madison.

The Mallards currently sit 4.5 games behind the Loggers in the South Division, and winning a couple games of the Loggers would be pivotal in regards to making a late second-half playoff push. The two rivals will also play Sunday (5:05 p.m.) and Monday (7:05 p.m.) to conclude the series.

In addition to the game, Saturday will be a busy night at the "Duck Pond." The Diamond Center will be sponsoring "Speed Dating Night," in which 20 men and 20 women will be selected to participate in speed dating at the ballpark. Participants will receive free tickets courtesy of The Diamond Center. It is also Cost Cutters Full-Size Baseball Bat Night, where the first 750 kids through the gate will receive a bat courtesy of Cost Cutters. Remington Products will be sponsoring "Remington Products Night," and the final fireworks show of the season will be on display following the game, presented by Ballweg Chevrolet Middleton Sauk City and Budweiser.

In The News

The Mallards have announced the signing of pitcher Eric Schmitz (Wisconsin - Whitewater), who will fill the empty roster spot left open by Parker Schrage, who left the team due to injury. The Fond du Lac, WI native went 2-1 for the Warhawks, and he helped the team reach the NCAA Division III World Series this past May. Schmitz will be joining the Mallards Saturday night.

Upcoming Promotions

Sunday, July 31 (vs. La Crosse, 5:05 p.m.)

St. Mary's "An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away" Day (First 1,000 fans).

Alliant Energy LED Glow Cup Night (First 500 fans).

Monday, August 1 (vs. La Crosse, 7:05 p.m.)

Luedtke-Storm-Mackey Chiropractic Mini-Bat Night (First 1,000 Kids).

Fox 47 "Big Bang Theory" Night.

Wednesday, August 3 (vs. Wisconsin Rapids, 7:05 p.m.)

Charter Communications Team Poster Night.

"Vendor of the Year" Night with the winning vendor receiving their very own bobblehead in 2012!

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, 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 July 30, 2011


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