Despite being held hitless through five innings of play Friday, the Mallards clinched another low-scoring win against the Eau Claire Express to keep Madison undefeated after the first two games of Northwoods League Baseball.

Jordan Comadena delivered the Mallards’ first hit of the ballgame on an infield basehit in the sixth and later advanced to second after Chris Roberts’ groundout to third. Daniel Webb came through during his season debut, scoring Comadena from second on a single to left field. The run gave Madison a 1-0 lead, which would later be extended.

In the next frame, Ryan Escarcega took the mound for Eau Claire for a second-straight night, after giving up the game-winning run on a wild pitch Thursday. Escarcega did not fair much better in his most recent appearance, giving up three runs during his two innings of work.

In the seventh, Michael Hubbard reached second base on Eau Claire’s fourth error of the game. During the next at-bat, Escarcega sent Hubbard to third on a wild pitch. Mitch Saum drove in the second Mallard run of the night on a sacrifice fly out.

Madison appeared to pull away in the eighth, as the home team double its lead to 4-0. Roberts drew a walk to set up Justin Bristow’s two-run homer, which landed in the Great Dane Duck Blind. The home run was the Mallards first of the season and Bristow’s third hit of the year.

As Allan Donato came in to close the game for the Mallards, the Express began to rally, giving the home crowd a scare. The Express crossed two runners to close the gap to 4-2 before Ian Hollick flied out to right with two men on to end the scare.

Starting pitcher Trevor Feeney earned the win, pitching seven-shutout innings. Feeney only allowed a pair of hits and no walks while striking out six. Bristow (pictured) was the Mallards’ standout offensive producer with his clutch two-run home run.

The Mallards hit the road for the first time Saturday, as they travel to Wausau to take on the Woodchucks (1-1) for a three-game series extending to Monday. Following a day off, Madison remains on the road for a two-game series at La Crosse (1-1) before returning to the “Duck Pond” Friday to play Mankato (0-1).

Friday will be Star Wars Night, featuring Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the films. Following the game, “Star Wars” will be playing live in the outfield. Marcus Theatres Popcorn Megaphones (first 500 14 & under) will also be given out at the game. Call 608.246.4277 for tickets or visit the Tickets page on www.mallardsbaseball.com