(Madison, WI) – The MoonDogs (3-7) ran into another stellar pitching performance from the Madison Mallards (6-4) on Saturday night as Mallard starter Mike Hutts (1-0) threw six innings, giving up just one run on three hits in a 9-1 Mallard win. Madison also got homeruns from shortstop Justin Bristow and first baseman Brian Smith.

The MoonDogs scattered four hits from four different players and second baseman James Keithley was able to drive in designated hitter Jeff DeSmidt for the MoonDogs only run. Jake Schmidt (0-2) got the start for the MoonDogs, going three innings and giving up five runs on seven hits. Relievers Will Palmer and Mark Haderlein continued to have a tough time with the Mallard hitters as they gave up four runs in four innings and struck out two. Reliever Tim Ryan finished off the game, pitching two innings of no-hit baseball and striking out three.

The Mallards got multi-hit games from several players, most notably Bristow and Smith who each scored twice and drove in two. Mallard second baseman Brandon Wickoff led the team with three hits on the evening and also drove in a run. In addition to Hutts solid performance, three Mallard relievers combined to hold Mankato to one hit over the last three innings.

The MoonDogs have Sunday off as they travel back from Madison. They will play in St. Cloud Monday and Tuesday night at 7:05 pm. Following that series, they travel to Alexandria before returning home to face the Battle Creek Bombers at 7:05 pm on Friday night.