When the week started, a first-half championship seemed almost out of reach. Now three games into a season-long six game homestand that same championship is not so far out of reach. With the Mallards winning three games in a row, and La Crosse dropping three and a row, the Mallards now stand just a game and a half behind La Crosse for first place in the South Division.

Tonight, the Mallards found themselves trailing 4-3 going into the bottom of the seventh inning. In steps the NWL hits leader Ryan Rogowski with Jay Johnson on second base. Rogowski did not disappoint, as he laced a triple into right field, scoring Johnson and tying the game at four. Ducks third baseman Chad Frk added one more clutch hit two batters later, lacing a line drive single to score Rogowski from third to put the Mallards on top for good, 5-4.

Jake Eiler held the Bucks scoreless through the first four innings, but gave up four runs in the fifth inning. Cody Hall picked up the win as he pitched two thirds of an inning of scoreless relief. Shaun Corning pitched one and one third innings of relief, and D.J. Roshone pitched two scoreless innings to pick up his sixth save.

The Mallards (16-12) will attempt to win their fourth straight game as they continue their homestand tomorrow night against the Bucks at 7:05. The Mallards send right-handed hurler Ricky Bauer (1-2) to the mound. Tickets for all Mallards games are available online at www.mallardsbaseball.com, and at our office located at 2920 N. Sherman Ave.