Northwoods Madison Mallards

Shellhorn to Face Rafters as Madison Eyes Series Split

Published on August 3, 2011 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


MADISON, WI - August 3, 2011. The Madison Mallards return home to face the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters in the 7:05 p.m. finale of a home-and-home series Wednesday night at the "Duck Pond." Despite a 7-4 loss at the hands of the Rafters a night ago, the Mallards are still in the midst of a playoff push, sitting only 1.5 games behind La Crosse in the South Division standings.

The Mallards will send ace Rusty Shellhorn (Texas Tech) to the mound, looking to get back to their winning ways Wednesday. Shellhorn (5-2, 2.54 ERA), a 2011 Northwoods League All-Star, will be making his third start against the Rafters this season, which is the most starts he has made versus any other team this season. In two previous starts against Wisconsin Rapids, Shellhorn is 1-1 in 10.1 innings pitched. He won on opening day in the team's 4-2 win at Witter Field on June 1, and was defeated on July 10 in the Mallards' 7-1 loss.

Wisconsin Rapids will counter with Brad Douthit (USC). Douthit has been a staple member the Rafters' rotation this season, and despite a 3.39 earned run average, is 4-5 this season. He has faced the Mallards three times already, and was the benefactor of the Rafters' July 10 victory over Shellhorn. The Rafters are 4- 7 with Douthit pitches, which makes him one of the most successful pitchers on the Rapids pitching staff this season.

The Mallards have lost four games in a row to the Rafters after starting the season 5-0 against the division rival. Wednesday's contest will be the final time that the two teams play each other this season.

After the game, the Mallards will remain in Madison to start a three-game series against fellow contender Green Bay. The first two games of the series will be played in Madison with the series concluding in Green Bay. Both games at the "Duck Pond" are scheduled to have a 7:05 p.m. start.

Not only is Thursday a pivotal game for the Mallards, but it is also Charter Communications Team Poster Night and "Vendor of the Year" Night. Fans can vote for their favorite vendor until 3:00 p.m. today, with the winning vendor receiving their very own bobblehead in 2012.

Scoreboard Watch

With under two weeks remaining in the 2011 regular season, the Mallards sit in fifth place in the South Division, but are a mere 1.5 games out of first place. First-half champion Battle Creek and Green Bay are both one-half game behind La Crosse, and Waterloo sits one full game back. Wednesday's games are full of intriguing matches amongst the division contenders, including the first triple-header of the season that has major playoff implications and a double-header.

La Crosse @ Battle Creek (11:05 a.m., 1:35 p.m., 4:05 p.m., C.O. Brown Stadium)

Wisconsin @ Green Bay (5:05 p.m., 7:35 p.m., Joannes Stadium)

Waterloo @ Eau Claire (6:35 p.m., Carson Park)

All games can be followed online at www.northwoodsleague.com .

Upcoming Promotions

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!

Thursday, August 4 (vs. Green Bay, 7:05 p.m.)

TDS Cheesehead Maynard Bobblehead (First 1,000 fans).

Cheese and Burger Appreciation Night presented by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

Pre-game concert by Around The Bend.

St. Mary's Sun Prairie Emergency Center Community Night. Receive 2-for-1 field box tickets with proof of residency in Maple Bluff (day of game--in-person only).

Free shuttle from and back to The Brass Ring (downtown)! Bus will leave at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, August 5 (vs. Green Bay, 7:05 p.m.)

Physicians Plus Maynard & The Healthy Snack Racers Bobblehead (First 1,000 fans).

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.



Northwoods League Stories from August 3, 2011


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