THE DUCK POND ? With the record-setting NWL All-Star Game and accompanying break behind them, the Mallards return home tonight to host the Rochester Honkers for the first time this season.

If it seems like a while since the Ducks have completed a game, that?s because it has been. Monday?s game in Mankato was halted in the third due to rain, and the Mallards haven?t finished a nine-inning contest since Sunday. But, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures in the forecast for the Capital City, things are lining up for a great night of baseball.

?This is a big series for us,? explains Mallards manager Darrell Handelsman. ?We want to get back to playing the kind of baseball that we know we are capable of playing.?

The first-half champion Mallards passed the Honkers in the standings in the final week of the first half so Rochester could be coming into tonight?s game with payback on their minds. The Honkers currently reside in second place behind Wausau for the second half crown.

Besides a great game, there are great promotions at the ballpark tonight. The first 500 fans 21 and older will receive a Mallards ceramic beer stein courtesy of Newcastle Brown Ale. Plus, the Luther?s Blues, Budweiser, and UPN 14 Concert Series continues as The Junkers will be performing live before and after tonight?s game on the Great Dane Duck Blind.

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