Even though the Mallards bats were not exactly a major factor for the first home series of the season, it was just enough, as the Mallards pitching dominated the Eau Claire Express, allowing just three earned runs. The Mallards enter their first road trip of the season on a good note, as they have sole possession of first place in the South Division of the Northwoods League.

There were several key contributors for the Mallards’ early success, including Jordan Comadena. The Purdue outfielder had a huge opening series in the leadoff spot for the Mallards, as Comadena went 4-for-8 (.500) with two runs scored, including the game-winning run on Opening Night for Madison. The second night, Justin Bristow came through on the offensive side of things, as he hit the Mallards first home run of the season with a line shot that just cleared the right field wall. Bristow went 3-for-8 with two RBIs between both games. Comadena and Bristow gave the Mallards just enough support to let the pitching take care of the rest.

Starting pitchers Nick Kirk and Trevor Feeney had great starts combining for 14 IP, 0 ER, 16 SO and 1 BB. The combination of both starters was the decisive factor that has put the Mallards in their most recent spot in the standings. The Mallards club can only hope that this pitching success can carry over tonight at Wisconsin, first pitch 6:35 pm.

The Woodchucks new field manager, former Milwaukee Brewer Jim Gantner, earned his first victory in a Woodchucks uniform defeating La Crosse 6-4 yesterday. Shortstop Vincente Cararo has had the recent hot bat for the Woodchucks, going 1-for-3 with two runs scored, three RBIs and a triple. Second baseman Bill Schroeder also went 2-for-4 with a run scored. The Woodchucks hope their young pitching can contest with the starters of the Mallards. Following their two game series with the Woodchucks, the Mallards will have an off day and then wrap up their first road trip of the 2007 season with a two-game set against La Crosse.

Mallards fans, you can catch all the action on Madison’s Fox Sports Radio Station, 100.5 FM. The Mallards return to the “Duck Pond” on Friday June 8 to take on the Mankato Moon Dogs on “Star Wars Night” featuring “Chewbacca” Peter Mayhew. Star Wars will also be shown in the outfield after the game. Great seats are still available, so contact the Mallards at 608.246.4277.