In the end, it all went for naught.

Because not even the longest winning streak in Northwoods League history, not finishing with a surge that most teams can only dream of, was good to extend the Madison Mallards' season.

The Mallards have won 16 of their last 18 games, but they don't have a spot in the league playoffs thanks to a 4-2 loss to the Eau Claire Express Saturday night at Warner Park.

The loss leaves Madison — which finishes the season by playing host to Eau Claire tonight — 1 1⁄2 games behind the Express in the South Division.

Madison (22-10 second half, 38-28 overall) took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning courtesy of an RBI single by center fielder Evan LeBlanc and third baseman Bobby Hubbard's RBI triple.

But that was all the Mallards would muster against Express starter Tim Huber, who pitched out of trouble all night.

Madison had at least one baserunner in eight innings against Huber — who scattered 10 hits and one walk — and reliever Jon Ganzen. The Mallards actually outhit Eau Claire 11-6 in the loss.

It was a different story for Madison starter Jim Sajewich. He lasted only four innings, giving up runs in the third — on Express center fielder Bryce Nimmo's double — and fourth — on right fielder and league co-MVP Kole Calhoun's homer to left field.

Travis High (2-2) relieved Sajewich, but gave up two runs in the sixth on Eau Claire second baseman David Cales' triple to take the loss.

The Mallards had runners on first and second with two outs in the eighth, but Ganzen got right fielder Adam Pasono to pop to shortstop.

Ganzen allowed only second baseman Ryan Tinkoff's bunt single in the ninth in picking up his first save of the season.

First baseman Randy Molina, who along with shortstop Brandon Wikoff represented Madison on the league's postseason All-Star team, was one of four Mallards with two hits.