Things just got a bit tighter in the Northwoods League South Division, as the Madison Mallards dropped a 3-1 decision to Wisconsin Thursday night in Wausau while the Rochester Honkers picked up a victory over the La Crosse Loggers to draw even with the Mallards with a 14-8 record.

The Mallards and Honkers are set to duke it out this weekend in a crucial series at the Duck Pond, as the two teams try to put themselves in a position to win the first-half title.

Aaron Tennyson was too much for the Mallards to handle Thursday night, allowing only four hits and no earned runs while striking out five. Ryan Rogowski was the only Mallard to record multiple hits, going two for four and scoring the Mallards lone run in the top of the first inning.

Rick Rivas took the tough luck loss for the Mallards, pitching six and one third effective innings, allowing only three runs on six hits.

Great tickets for this weekend?s showdown are still available, with both Friday and Saturday night?s contests beginning at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.mallardsbaseball.com or by phone at 246.4277.