The Mallards had runners at the corners with one out in the top of the ninth inning Tuesday, but failed to produce the game-tying run, as the Rochester Honkers held onto their 3-2 lead to end the game.

Momentum was swinging towards Madison’s side the majority of the late innings of play, as the Mallards defense produced seven scoreless frames. Mallards starting pitcher Trevor Feeney let up the only three Rochester runs — a two-run shot, followed up by a Honkers batter who reached on an error and later scored on a passed ball in bottom of the second.

After conceding the lead, the Honkers were held to goose eggs the remainder of the game.

In the eighth, the Mallards took advantage of Adam Pasono and Evan LeBlanc advancing on walks. Neil Medchill stepped in to deliver a two-RBI single to give the Ducks some hope.

In the ninth, hope remained, as Jordan Comadena led off the inning with a single and stole second during the next at-bat. After Chris Roberts struck out for the first out, Brian Smith pinch hit for Matt Behren. Smith came through, singling to left field; however, the ball was hit in the range of left fielder Craig Lutes, who held Comadena at third.

Manager C.J. Thieleke gave Pasono the go-ahead to swing away with one out, but struck out swinging instead. Bobby Stevens then stepped in and eventually loaded the bases after being plunked by a pitch, bringing up Bobby Hubbard for the crucial at-bat. Hubbard grounded a softly hit ball for a bang-bang play at first for the final out of the game.

Feeney (2-2) took the loss, pitching six innings with seven hits, three runs (two earned), no walks and five strikeouts to his name. Allan Donato and Steve Gilgenbach pitched the remainder of the game, allowing one hit apiece.

Offensively for Madison, Medchill’s two-RBI play made him the standout player of the evening.

The teams will square off again Wednesday at Mayo Field with the first pitch coming at 7:05 p.m.