THE DUCK POND ? Now that the first half of the Mallards season is over the only question that remains is, what will the Ducks do for an encore?

The Mallards got a home run off the bat of Mike Rohde and parlayed a strong pitching performance from John Flood into a 7-3 victory in Wausau against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The win improved the Mallards record to 22-10, the best in the Northwoods League.

?This is only step one,? explains Mallards pitcher Corey Cabral, ?now we have an All-Star Game to win, a second half championship to get, and a league championship to win; we want that ring!?

The Mallards claimed their first-ever playoff berth by clinching the first half title on Thursday night in front of 5,175 fans ? the second-largest crowd to see a game in Madison baseball history and just shy of this year?s Mallards home opener.

?The atmosphere in this ballpark is electric!? exclaimed Mallards infielder Doug Beck. ?We really want to play well for these fans.?

The Ducks will open the second half of the season at The Duck Pond tonight as they entertain the Alexandria Beetles. The Mallards will be trying to improve on the best record in the Northwoods League while the Beetles, who finished in third in the NWL North, will start their march to a playoff bid.

The Fourth of July holiday weekend continues in fine fashion as well as tonight is Zimbrick Volkswagen ?Ticket To Ride? Beetle Night. There will be free toy VW Beetles for the first 500 fans 14 and under, a VW Beetle car show, and anyone named John, Paul, George, or Ringo will get into the game for free. Plus, if your name is Ringo and you can prove it with a drivers license, you can throw out the first pitch.

Also, the Duck Pond Concert Series, presented by Luther?s Blues, Budweiser, and UPN 14 continues tonight as Mr. Pants will be performing Beatles music both before and after the game.

The gates open at 5:45pm with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05pm.