After four innings of play Monday, the Mallards did not have much of a shot at repeating Sunday’s result of a comeback. The Waterloo Bucks posted 10 runs in the first half of the game, including a five-run second off Madison’s starting pitcher, Tom Stilson.

The loss gives Madison a 14-17 record, allowing Eau Claire to move ahead of the Mallards in the South Division standings, as the Express defeated the Woodchucks.

The Mallards, who have not won consecutive games since their four-game streak June 6-9, have struggled to shutdown offenses as of late, allowing 36 runs in their last three games.

Stilson (1-1) took the loss after allowing seven runs and nine hits through 2.1 innings of work. Craig Meier relieved the starter midway through the third and pitched the rest of the way, allowing eight hits and four runs.

Offensively, the Mallards were held to four hits, coming from Randy Molina (pictured), Jordan Comadena, Mitch Saum and Eric Nielsen. Nielsen (.333) extended his hot-hitting streak to six games, and the catcher has also hit successfully in nine of his last 10 games.

Madison remains in Waterloo for the series finale before traveling to Thunder Bay for a two-game set.