The Madison Mallards were unable to muster more than a single run on Friday night and in turn missed a golden opportunity to help themselves in the battle for the South Division?s final playoff spot. The Ducks, who entered play just one game behind La Crosse in the battle for the post-season, fell 2-1 to the Waterloo Bucks but remained one game back of La Crosse after the Loggers also lost by a score of 5-2 to Rochester.

Waterloo posted their only two runs of the game in the first inning. Ryan Hastings led off with a single and the following batter, Mike Brown, was hit by a pitch, putting runners at first and second with nobody out. Robert Matlock laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners to second and third. After Jeff Lanning walked and Shea Robin struck out, Jeff Whitlow proceeded to single up the middle and drive home the Bucks? only two runs of the game.

It would be enough, however, as the Mallards’ only run of the game came in the fifth. Jordan Comadena opened the frame with a single and advanced to third on Jordan Wolf?s double. The next batter, Tommy Lentz, flew out to center field, but it was deep enough for Comadena to tag and score from third. Bucks starter Dan Jennings was able to get the next Mallard, Gary Arndt, to strike out and Mitch Saum to ground out and effectively end any further threat.

Mallards starter Adam Mills worked six innings, allowing two runs on just five hits. He struck out three and walked just one but was the tough-luck loser in the contest.

Meanwhile, back at the Duck Pond, Steve Schmitt?s All-Stars defeated Maynard?s All-Stars by a score of 6-5 in the first-ever Mallards/MLB alumni game after former Milwaukee Brewer Brad Woodall singled home the winning run in the bottom of the seventh and final inning. Fans packed the stadium as 6,353 came to see a handful of former Mallards compete alongside a number of Major League Baseball?s greats. Some highlights from the night included Dave Kingman?s towering shot to left field that ended up hitting the top of the wall for a long base hit. Jim Gantner (pictured bottom left) utilized the old ?hidden ball trick? to fullest, picking off former Chicago Cub and Philadelphia Philly, Bob Dernier at second base and former Cy Young winner Vida Blue pitched an inning of scoreless baseball after going 1-2 at the plate. Mallards owner Steve Schmitt scored a run after reaching safely on an infield single.

Hall-of-Famer Harmon Killebrew (pictured below) was also in attendance on Friday, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. Killebrew did not participate in the game but instead served as an honorary manager for Steve Schmitt?s All-Stars.

The Mallards return home on Sunday, August 6, to take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The Ducks invite all fans to stop out to the Duck Pond for the World?s Largest First Pitch. The first 5,000 fans will receive a Mallards baseball to go on the field with and throw a ceremonial first pitch. Gates will open at noon and live music from the Kissers will keep fans entertained until the start of the night?s game. All fans will receive a Mallards team poster, courtesy of Verlo Mattress Factory.

Order your tickets now by visiting www.mallardsbaseball.com or calling 246.4277.