Entering the ninth inning the Mallards were down by score of 7-6 to the Alexandria Beetles. The Mallards were on the verge of starting the season 0-5.

Enter Jay Johnson. Already hitting a three run home run in the game, his league leading second of the season, Johnson was down to his final strike when he laced a line drive into the gap scoring Abe Aguirre and Doug Beck giving the Mallards a 8-7 lead.

The Mallards would not relinquish that lead as D.J. Roshone came in and shut the door on the Beetles, setting them down in order to end the game.

Billy Phillips started the game giving the Mallards seven strong innings. Phillips gave up only two earned runs while striking out six. The Mallards struggled defensively however, committing a season high five errors.

The defense needed a lift, and that is exactly what they received from the bat of Johnson. Now hitting a league leading .450, Johnson went 5-5, driving in five runs propelling the Mallards to victory.

The Mallards (1-4) will go for their first series sweep of the season tonight in Alexandria against the Beetles (3-2) at 7:05 PM. The Mallards will first see the raucous crowd of Warner Park Wednesday at 7:05 PM against the Mankato MoonDogs. Tickets are still on sale online at www.mallardsbaseball.com, and at our brand new office, still located at 2920 N. Sherman Ave.