After going 52 games without recording a complete game, starting pitchers Eryk McConnell and Brian Smith (pictured) have pitched nine innings apiece in the past four days — both coming in Madison wins. Wednesday was a beneficial day for the Mallards’ playoff hopes, as the Ducks edged out the Waterloo Bucks 1-0 under Smith’s dominant performance from the pitcher’s mound.

Smith (W, 5-2) allowed only four hits and no walks in his complete game shutout, and the second-year Mallard struck out a career-high eight batters, including the final two batters of the game. Madison’s defense also contributed in the shutout, turning two double plays to limit the total number of batters Smith faced to 29 — the minimum amount of batters in a game is 27.

With the win, the Mallards improved their current winning streak to eight games, and with Wisconsin, Eau Claire and Green Bay dropping their games, the Mallards are quietly sneaking into the playoff race with under two weeks to play. Gaining ground on the forerunners, the Mallards are just 1.5 games back from Green Bay and Eau Claire and a game shy of Wisconsin.

Being held to just six hits, Jordan Comadena (2) Randy Molina (1), Evan LeBlanc (2) and Matt Behren were the only Madison players to reach base with knocks. Batting Brandon Wikoff failed to extend his hitting streak to 17 games batting 0-for-2. Despite not getting a hit, Wikoff played an important role in moving over Comadena all game with a pair of sacrifice bunts.

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The teams will meet again Thursday with the starting game time scheduled for 7:05. Thursday is PDQ & Quench Gum Trading Card Night #2 of 2. MG&E Mallards light switch covers (first 1,000 kids 14 & under). Mt. Horeb Tug-A-War demonstration.