In a match-up of two teams that have played exceptional baseball so far this summer, things sort of ended with a fizzle Sunday evening at Warner Park, at least for the Mallards. The Mallards came into the contest with a sizzling 5-1 mark (23-14 overall) since the beginning of the second half, with crafty right hander and 2004 All-Star Ryan Zink set to take the mound. La Crosse on the other hand, had just wrapped up a first half championship, sending their right handed All-Star Ben Stanczyk to the hill. Both pitchers did not disappoint, as Zink gave up only one hit and Stanczyk gave up just three, in eight innings pitched by each. Unfortunately for Madison, the lone hit surrendered came after two walks by Zink in the third inning, which scored the Loggers? first and ultimately winning run, as Madison was downed 1-0 before 5,000 fans at the Duck Pond.

Zink (3-3) struck out four batters in the loss, compared to Stanczyk?s 10. Jeff Bieker, Chad Frk and Abe Aguirre each had one hit for Madison. Joe McLaughlin had the game winning RBI for La Crosse. Max Scherzer came in for La Crosse in the ninth to seal the deal for the Loggers, earning his fifth save.

The Mallards look to rebound tomorrow against the Loggers at Warner Park. Jake Eiler will be pitching for Madison tomorrow in a 7:05 PM game. Tickets for all remaining Mallards home games are available online at www.mallardsbaseball.com and at our office located on 2920 N. Sherman Ave.