The Mallards (22-11) moved one step closer to the Northwoods League South Division first-half title Wednesday evening with a 4-2 victory over the Mankato MoonDogs (15-18). Madison is one game up on the second place Rochester Honkers and can clinch the first-half title tonight with either a Mallards win or a Rochester loss.

The Mallards conclude a two-game series Thursday with Mankato, while Rochester battles Wisconsin.

Madison once again produced runs in the first inning Wednesday night, putting a two-spot on the board courtesy of Randy Molina?s two-RBI single in the Mallards first at-bat.

However, Mankato answered with two runs of their own in the sixth to tie the game up at two. But the tie ballgame would not last long as Will Vogl and Mike Rohde chipped in RBI singles in the seventh to give Madison a 4-2 lead, a lead the Mallards would never relinquish.

Erik Walker (1-0) came out of the bullpen to pitch three and two-thirds scoreless innings, picking up his first win of the season. The reliever from UNC Charlotte allowed just two hits while striking out six. Jake Hansen pitched five and one-third innings, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out three.

The Mallards are back in action Thursday night for the final game of their first-half schedule at 7:05 p.m. against Mankato. Listen to the game live at mallardsradio.com or on Fox Sports Radio Madison 100.5 FM.