In a game Mallards starting pitcher Billy Phillips called a must win, Phillips came through for the Mallards, pitching seven innings to help defeat the Waterloo Bucks 2-1 Thursday night at Warner Park. Phillips (4-2) surrendered only an unearned run while striking out six and scattering six hits. With the victory, the Mallards and Bucks now have identical 11-4 records to share first place in the South division.

Chad Frk knocked in the first Mallard run with an RBI double to left-center field scoring Jeff Bieker to knot the game at one. Catcher John Martin later knocked in what proved to be the eventual game-winning run with a sacrifice scoring Jared Johnson. A perfectly executed drag bunt down the first-base line got Johnson on base. He later advanced to second before scoring on Martins sacrifice by stealing his second base of the season. Mallard all-star Ryan Rogowski added a pair of singles for the Ducks.

Tony Korson pitched the final two innings for the Mallards to earn his first save of the season. A diving catch by Frk ended the game and secured the victory for Phillips and the Mallards.

The Mallards will attempt to take sole possession of first place tomorrow evening at 7:05 PM as they once again take on the Waterloo Bucks. For the first time in team history fans were turned away at the Duck Pond. The Mallards organization suggests purchasing tickets for remaining home games ahead of time either online at www.mallardsbaseball.com, or at our office located at Warner Park.