THE DUCK POND. ? So far, 2003 has been a record-breaking season for the Madison Mallards organization?last night more records fell.

5,776 fans, a record to see a Mallards game, a record to see a game in the City of Madison, a record for the Northwoods League, and a record to see a single summertime collegiate baseball game in the U.S., flocked to see the Mallards break a three-game skid and rally to beat the La Crosse Logger 7-6 in 11 innings.

Last night?s attendance also pushed the Ducks? season total up to 67,667, which eclipses last year?s attendance high water mark also set by the Mallards. The cumulative total is also an attendance record in all of the categories listed above.

?What we are doing here in Madison isn?t being done anywhere else in the country, our fans have been great,? exclaimed Mallards general manager Vern Stenman. ?Everything out here is like a piece to a giant puzzle and so far this year everything has fit.?

Besides leading the league in attendance, the Mallards also lead the league in number of players chosen for the All-Star Game (8), lead the league in wins (25), stolen bases (115), and come-from-behind victories (12).

?These players are special and playing in front of these great fans is special,? said Mallards manager Darrell Handelsman.

Tonight, the Ducks will try and make it two in a row as they once again host the La Crosse Loggers. It is also Little-A-Merrick-A Soft Baseball Night. The first 1,000 fans 14 and under will receive a Mallards soft baseball. Plus, the Duck Pond Concert Series, presented by Luther?s Blues, Budweiser, and UPN 14 continues as Harmonious Wail will perform live before and after the game.

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