WATERLOO – Visiting Madison held off a furious comeback from the home-standing Waterloo Bucks Saturday night to take a 6-5 win and earn a split in the crucial second half Northwoods League Southern Division series at Riverfront Stadium.

Waterloo (14-13 second half, 24-36 overall) held a 2-1 lead after one before the Mallards (14-11 second half, 33-26 overall) erupted for three runs in the third on a towering three-run blast over the center field wall by catcher Joe Patterson (Texas A&M), part of a three-for-three, three-RBI night. The Blue, Gold and White trimmed the lead to two runs twice and got it down to one run on a bases-loaded walk to shortstop Michael Giller (Illinois) in the ninth. However, Madison saves leader Dan Burawa (St. John’s) got a strikeout to end the bases-loaded threat.

The Bucks offense was led by left fielder Pat Stover (Santa Clara). He finished two-for-four with two RBIs. Relief pitcher Eric Julienne (California St.-San Marcos) turned in a strong effort going four innings with three strikeouts and just one earned run surrendered.

The Bucks make a two-game road swing to Green Bay for a pair of games against the Bullfrogs Sunday and Monday. Fans can tune in through www.waterloobucks.com or Brite 95.3 FM, Independence, to hear the play-by-play from Brandon Lewis, the voice of the two-time Northwoods League champions. First pitch is 5:05 p.m. Sunday and 7:05 p.m. Monday.

Waterloo returns home to take on Wisconsin Wednesday and Thursday. Game times are 1 p.m. Wednesday and 7:05 p.m. Thursday.

SUNDAY’S STARTERS

WATERLOO AT GREEN BAY – Jarod Wagoner (Butler), 1-4, 4.25 ERA
MADISON – OFF