For the first time in the four-year history of the franchise, the Madison Mallards advanced to the Northwoods League Championship series after chopping down the Loggers 9-3 Wednesday night in La Crosse. Ricky Bauer allowed only three runs in six innings and Doug Beck blasted a two-out, three-run home run in the fourth inning to help the Mallards sweep the Loggers two games to zero in the best of three series for the South Division title. For Beck, who just missed a home run last night, it was his first home run in his two-year career as a Mallard. In addition to his three-run shot and three RBI’s, Beck also scored three runs for the team who held the best regular season record in the league. The rest of the Mallard table-setters came through as well. Lead-off hitter Greg Thomson went 3-5, scored three runs, and also belted a solo home run. Mallard All-Star Ryan Rogowski also had three hits for the Mallards, who will play the Winner of a decisive Game Three for the North Division Championship between the Duluth Huskies and the St. Cloud River Bats tonight in St. Cloud, Minn.

After Bauer kept the First-half champs at bay for six innings, Matt Petty threw two innings of scoreless relief, striking out two batters and allowing only one hit before giving way to Ryan Zink to work the ninth. The Madison native didn’t budge an inch, as he struck out one en route to pitching a perfect ninth and closing the book on the Loggers season. The Mallard offense also got support from Jay Johnson and Jeff Bieker as Johnson knocked in two runs and Bieker three.

The championship series begins Friday on the road before returning home for game two at Warner Park in Madison on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday’s game are now on sale by phone, 246-4277, online, www.mallardsbaseball.com and at the Mallards office located at Warner Park. Reserved seating is seven dollars, general admission is six, and reserved bleachers are six-fifty. For all ticket information or group rates, please contact the Mallards front office at 246-4277.