With only 14 games left to play the Madison Mallards will now have to play catch-up to earn the final playoff spot in the Northwoods League. Although the Mallards have the best overall record in the league (31-19, 13-6 second half), after losing to the Bucks 7-5 Monday night in Waterloo, the Mallards now trail the Bucks (29-22, 14-5 second half) by a full game for the second-half pennant.

Madison jumped out to an early 5-1 lead with catcher John Martin knocking in two of those runs with a double. Jay Johnson and Mike Dury also knocked in runs for the Mallards, but Wisconsin native Daryl Maday (1-2) was unable to hold the lead. Hailing from Bristol, Maday was tagged for seven runs, five of which were earned, on six hits and three walks before departing in what finally ended as a six-run Bucks fourth. The Bucks offense came in part from first baseman Phillip Hawke who launched his league leading ninth homer and added three more RBIs to his league leading total of 37.

All-stars Greg Thomson and Chad Frk each had two hits apiece for the Mallards who have only seven home games left in the 2004 regular season.

Tuesday night the Mallards hope to see a different result in Waterloo, as they will attempt to draw even with the Bucks for first place in the South Division. Thursday, July 29th is the next Mallards home game, as the Ducks take on the St. Cloud River Bats at 7:05 PM. Tickets for all remaining Mallards home games are still available, but it is suggested that tickets be pre-purchased to assure availability. Tickets can be ordered by phone (246-4277), at the Mallards office located at Warner Park, or online at www.mallardsbaseball.com.