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Northwoods Madison Mallards

Three-Game Set with Woodchucks Continues in Madison Thursday

August 11, 2011 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Madison Mallards News Release


MADISON, WI - August 11, 2011. After a series-opening win in Wausau Wednesday, the Madison Mallards return to the "Duck Pond" to continue the three-game set with the Wisconsin Woodchucks Thursday at 7:05 p.m. The game is also the first of the final two home games of the 2011 Northwoods League season for the Mallards, who are back to .500 following Wednesday's 7-4 victory.

In three previous games at Warner Park against the Woodchucks, the Mallards are 1-2, but the two teams have not faced each other in Madison since June 28 when the teams split a double-header. Overall, Madison is 5-3 in eight matchups with Wisconsin this season.

Nick Sutherland (Minnesota State - Mankato) will get the call for the Mallards. Sutherland is 2-2 on the season with a 4.33 earned run average over 17 appearances. Making his sixth start of the season, the right- hander has had three consecutive "quality starts," going at least six innings allowing three or fewer runs. Over those past three starts, Sutherland has pitched 20 complete innings, allowing only five runs on 19 hits. His control has also been great, walking only four batters while striking out 14. One of Sutherland's two losses came back on June 7 when he gave up four runs in three innings in his only appearance against the Woodchucks this season. Madison is 11-6 when Sutherland pitches.

Sutherland will have a tough task ahead of him when he faces the Wisconsin offense.

As a team, the Woodchucks are batting at a .250 clip, but their top two hitters both sit amongst league leaders in terms of batting average. Danny Susdorf (UC - San Diego) and Carlos Escobar (Nevada - Reno) are hitting .339 and .330 respectively with 26 combined doubles and 58 combined RBI. Escobar, a 2011 Northwoods League All-Star, leads the team in runs scored (34) and is tied for the team lead in doubles (15). The catcher has served as a catalyst for the Wisconsin offense all season long. Susdorf, an outfielder, leads the team in hits (60) despite playing seven games fewer than the next two hitters in the category. He also leads the team in stolen bases (15) and is third on the team behind Escobar and Mike Gerber (Creighton) in runs scored with 30.

Thursday is also "Vegetarian Food Appreciation Night" and UW Health "Ladies Night" at the "Duck Pond." In-game entertainment will also be provided by the Inflatamaniacs.

Fan Feedback Survey The Madison Mallards need your help! Did you enjoy our in-game entertainment' Are you in love with the new stadium' Do you think our concessions offer enough variety' We want to hear what you think about the new ballpark and everything that happens at the "Duck Pond." We have created a Fan Feedback Survey to get responses from YOU! By filling out the survey you will receive a 20% off merchandise coupon and be entered into a drawing to win two 7-Game Packs for 2012, a Pete Rose autographed baseball and a $25 gift certificate.

Around the Northwoods League

With the season coming down to its final four days, there is still plenty of action worth following around the Northwoods League.

In the North Division, the Alexandria Beetles recently locked up a second-half division title and will face the Mankato MoonDogs, who were the winners in the first half. Both teams have racked up remarkable overall records this season, with Alexandria (42-23) holding a 1.5 game lead over Mankato (41-25) for the number one seed going into the playoffs.

In the South Division, one playoff spot is still up for grabs. The Green Bay Bullfrogs lead the division by one game over first-half champion Battle Creek and by two games over La Crosse. With a magic number of two, the Bullfrogs are in a good spot to clinch the final playoff spot for the 2011 Northwoods League postseason, however, they face Battle Creek Thursday in a 7:05 p.m. contest at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek. La Crosse will play host to Waterloo in another game that starts at 7:05 p.m.

Fans can follow all of the Northwoods League action by visiting www.northwoodsleague.com .

Upcoming Promotion

Friday, August 12 (vs. Wisconsin, 7:05 p.m.)

Mallards Founding Partners Fan Appreciation Night.

Rayovac Flashlight Night (First 1,000 fans).

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

The Madison Mallards are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. Only two games remain in the 2011 home schedule. 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."

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