Just when one might think the Mallards bats had gone to the off-season early, the Ducks pounded out eight runs on 12 hits in an 8-2 victory over the Wisconsin Woodchucks in front of a season high 7,495 fans Saturday night at the Duck Pond.

Nate Melek pitched six nearly flawless innings of baseball, allowing only three hits without giving up a run. Melek, who improved his record to 2-2 on the season, struck out five batters while walking only one.

Three Mallards hitters recorded multi-hit games with Danny Dressman leading the way, going 3-for-4. Mike Rohde and Kelly Sweppenhiser each had two hits for the Mallards, with Rohde scoring two runs and Sweppenhiser knocking in two.

Not to be lost in the night was yet another record from Ryan Rogowski, who stole his 44th base of the season to set the all-time single season NWL record for steals.

The Mallards can still earn home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a victory Sunday and a Rochester loss. Thunder Bay clinched the second-half North Division title with a victory over the Duluth Huskies Saturday night, staying even with the Mallards and Honkers for best overall record in the league. Thunder Bay would have home field advantage over the Mallards in the Championship series if the two teams end the season with identical records due to a better head-to-head record.

The Mallards conclude the regular season Sunday night at 6:05 p.m. against the Wisconsin Woodchucks, as Kenny Pokryfke is set to pitch for the Mallards against Aaron Tennyson. Fans are encouraged to celebrate the World?s Largest First Pitch before tomorrow?s game from noon-4:30, as the gates will be open six hours prior to the first pitch. Hometown Sweethearts will be performing and concessions will be open and offering 2-for-1 beer, soda and hot dogs. For information or tickets to tomorrow?s game visit the Mallards Web site at www.mallardsbaseball.com or call 246.4277.