THE DUCK POND ? The Madison Mallards revived a little of that old first-half magic, and it couldn?t have come at a better time for the Ducks.

Joe Thaman cranked a two-run homer to right center field to tie up the ball game at 6, then Tyler Bullock laced a shot to almost the exact same spot to lead-off the bottom of the tenth inning as the Mallards were propelled to a 7-6 win in 10 innings.

?This was special for us,? said Mallards manager Darrell Handelsman. ?We have come from behind a lot this season, and tonight we just kept fighting and fighting. This is one of those games that can get you going on a hot streak.?

The Mallards had come in to yesterday?s game losers of five of their last six. With the win, and a Wausau loss, the Ducks have pulled to within 6 ? games of first place in the second half.

?We?re gonna keep coming because we think that we can still catch the Woodchucks,? explained Mallards outfielder Josh Wettlaufer. Wettlaufer went 2-for-4 with a triple as he raised his batting average to an impressive .293.

Tonight, the Ducks will bring out the brooms as they look to sweep the Waterloo Bucks out of town. Jon Olson (1-3, 3.15 ERA) will be handed the ball to nail down the victory. So far this season, the Mallards have taken five of seven against the defending Northwoods League Champs.

On tap for this evening is Rayovac Duck-Billed Cap Night. The first 750 fans 14 and under will receive a special Mallards duck-billed cap. Plus, it is a Two-for-Monday presented by 94.1 WJJO and Budweiser. There will be half-priced hot dogs, sodas, and Budweiser products through the end of the fifth inning.

Additionally, the Mallards are expected to break the 100,000 fan mark, which has never been accomplished on the summertime collegiate baseball scene ever. For all of the special activities associated with that, please read the article on www.mallardsbaseball.com.

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