Madison Mallards

press release: The Madison Mallards (5-3) are returning home to the Duck Pond looking for their fourth straight victory after sweeping the Growlers in Kalamazoo. Gates are set to open at 4:30 PM for a 6:05 PM first pitch. Tonight’s game features the Pokemon Scavenger Hunt with a custom PokeManyard hat prize to the first 100 winners. Tonight is also Wisconsin Dells Night and Willy St. Co-op Night. 

Probable Pitchers

Scheduled to start for the Mallards tonight is San Jose State right-hander Justin Watland. Watland has made one appearance out of the bullpen this season and looks to follow Dalton Wiggins’s (Marietta) impressive start from yesterday. Wiggins hurled 8.0 innings of two-hit ball while allowing only one unearned run. Tonight, Watland could be the fourth Mallards starter to last at least 5.0 innings.

Players to Watch

Mallards designated hitter Tyler Plantier (Richmond) has continued to pace the club at the dish. Plantier has hit safely in every game this season and continues to come through in big moments for the Mallards. Plantier provided two doubles that propelled the Mallards to a win on Sunday at the Duck Pond before crushing a two-run bomb yesterday to pad the Madison lead. Plantier currently leads the Mallards with a .419 clip at the plate.

Madison utility man Jake Randa (NW Florida State) has also provided consistency offensively. Randa has a hit in every game this season and he broke open yesterday’s ballgame with a bases-clearing double in the top of the eighth inning. Randa leads the squad with five doubles and holds a .447 on base percentage.

Mallards closer Trace Norkus (North Florida) has begun to solidify the back-end of the Madison bullpen as he has made three appearances and earned two saves so far this summer. Norkus has worked 3.0 innings without allowing a run and has struck out a pair.

Follow @MadisonMallards on Twitter for in-game updates and check back after the ballgame for a complete recap.