Ryan Duffy worked five scoreless innings while the Waterloo Bucks’ (15-6) bullpen covered four frames of one-run ball to secure a 2-1 win over the Eau Claire Express (6-15) on Monday evening. The Bucks continue to build on their Northwoods League-leading 15-6 record with the win.

Duffy earned his second victory of the summer with 5.0 shutout frames, scattering four hits and a walk while striking out three. The southpaw generated ground balls at a 64.3% rate and induced two double-plays began by himself on choppers back to the mound.

Garrett McGowan (2-for-4, R, 2 2B) blasted a double the opposite way with one away in the first and promptly scored on a Jalen Smith (1-for-3, BB, RBI) single laced back up the middle. An inning later, Cameron Repetti (1-for-3, R, 2B) crushed a double of the left field wall followed by a Daniel Irisarri (0-for-1, 2 BB) walk. Liam Critchett (0-for-2, BB) moved them both ahead with a groundout, then Johnny Tincher (0-for-2, HBP, RBI) plated Repetti with an RBI groundout.

Curren Larson (HD, 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB), Logan Jones (HD, 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, K), Aaron Treloar (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K) and Braden Burcham (SV, 1.0 IP, 2 H, R, BB, K) combined to slam the door on the Express and lock down the Bucks’ win.

Waterloo and Eau Claire wrap up their series on Tuesday evening at 6:35 p.m. CST at Riverfront Stadium.