THE DUCK POND ? After surrendering just one hit over eight innings, the Madison Mallards fell apart in the ninth, committing two errors and giving up four runs en route to dropping a 4-1 decision to the Rochester Honkers.

The loss for the Mallards puts the Ducks two games behind Wausau for the best record in the Northwoods League and snapped a four-game winning streak.

?We just didn?t execute in the ninth,? said Mallards manager Darrell Handelsman. ?These are the types of games that we normally win.?

Despite a couple of thunderstorms in the afternoon, the Mallards still managed a crowd of 4,643, increasing the season total to 108,404 and upping the average attendance per game to 4,169. Both of those totals are Northwoods League and national records for summertime collegiate baseball.

?The response from our fans has been great, and we hope that carries over into the playoffs,? added Mallards general manager Vern Stenman.

The first round of the playoffs will begin on Sunday, August 10 with the Mallards hosting a game either on the 10th or on Monday the 11th. Playoff tickets are on sale at the Mallards ticket office or at 246-4277.

Tonight is Budweiser Fireworks Night as the Mallards will be presenting a huge post-game fireworks show from Thunder Cat Fireworks. Also, the Luther?s Blues, Budweiser, and UPN 14 Duck Pond Concert Series continues with the Northern Pines Band performing live before and after the game on the Great Dane Duck Blind.

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