PRESS RELEASE – The wait is finally over. The Madison Mallards have returned home after an extremely successful 5-1 road trip. Tonight, the Ducks will face the Wisconsin Woodchucks; the team they defeated last night in Wausau to finish their six-game season-opening trip.
Not only will the team be looking to build on their road success, it will also be a night filled with fanfare as the new Warner Park “Duck Pond” opens its gates to the Northwoods League for the first time.
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“We’re glad to be home,” said Mallards’ field manager Greg Labbe. “The Mallards fans are what makes this such a fun place to play, and although there are a lot of beautiful ballparks in this league, none compare to the ‘Duck Pond.’
On the mound for the Ducks will be Rusty Shellhorn (Texas Tech). Shellhorn is 1-0 on the season after winning opening day at Witter Field in Wisconsin Rapids; the place where he threw the only no-hitter in Mallards’ history. Shellhorn also made a one-inning relief appearance in the Mallards’ loss to the La Crosse Loggers on Sunday.
Pitching for Wisconsin tonight is Derek Howell (Seminole State). Howell has started one game for the Woodchucks. He went 2.1 innings, giving up three runs on four hits against Eau Claire in the Woodchucks’ only win of the season back on June 3rd.
Tonight is “Mallards’ Founding Partners Opening Day” at Warner Park. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a stadium replica of the newly-renovated $1.8 million “Duck Pond.” Former Milwaukee Brave Johnny Logan will also be in attendance. Gates will open 90 minutes prior to the 7:05 scheduled start time.
In the News
Mallards’ starter Joel Effertz (Madison College) was named the Northwoods League “Pitcher of the Night” for Monday’s action. Effertz (1-0) went 6.2 innings allowing no runs on only one walk and nine strikeouts. He is the third Mallards’ pitcher to win the award for pitchers, joining Chris Burgess (Blackhawk College) and Cash Collins (Wofford).
The Mallards have also activated outfielder Zac Zellers (Heartland Community College) for tonight’s game. Zellers had a great season for Heartland, helping them to a number one ranking in the final NJCAA poles prior to postseason action.
The Madison Mallards are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. 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.
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