With the help of the Duluth Huskies defense, the Madison Mallards offense exploded for a season high 12 runs and 13 hits Friday night as the Mallards rolled to their third straight victory to start the 2005 season, a 12-3 decision over the Duluth Huskies in front of 5,063 people at the Duck Pond.

The Mallards put runs on the board in the first inning for the first time this season and never looked back. Madison added two more runs in the second and put up a four spot in the third to take a 7-2 lead.

Duluth committed six errors to help the Mallards maintain their perfect record in 2005. First baseman Nate Trumm led the way for the Mallards, going 2-4 with three runs scored and two RBI.

Dan Melvin continued his hot hitting to start the season, collecting three hits in four at bats while knocking in one run. Third baseman Kelly Sweppenhiser had a two hit night of his own adding an RBI and two runs for the Mallards.

The Mallards had four players that recorded multiple hits and seven Mallards finished the night with RBI.

Not to be lost in the offensive explosion was the Mallards pitching debut of J.J. Hollenbeck. The Mallards starter pitcher struck out five in six innings of work without allowing an earned run. Mike Creevy and Matt Petty combined to throw three innings of shutout relief.

The fireworks show scheduled for Saturday has been canceled. In place of fireworks, David ?The Bullet? Smith, former Guinness Book of World Records holder for longest distance of a human being shot from a cannon will be shot out of a cannon following Saturday night?s contest between the Mallards (3-0) and Huskies (0-3). Brent Varnado will take the mound for the Mallards against Duluth?s Austin Seward. Game time is 6:05 p.m. and tickets are available both by phone, 608.246.4277 and online at www.mallardsbaseball.com.