Assuming the rain isn't enough to force a cancellation tonight, the Madison Mallards will open their eighth season by hosting Northwoods League South Division foe La Crosse at Warner Park.

First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m., and the latest forecast on www.weather.com for the area is calling for a few showers until about 9 p.m., when scattered thunderstorms are expected to hit. So bring a poncho.

The Mallards will be sending Western Carolina freshman right-hander Brandon Johnson to the mound, while the Loggers will go with Evansville sophomore right-hander Wade Kapteyn.

Johnson was 2-1 with a 7.89 earned run average in 19 games (two starts) during the spring, while Kapteyn went 1-4 with a 9.38 ERA in 12 games (10 starts).

The Mallards are a bit shorthanded since a decent chunk of their roster is still playing in the NCAA tournament, so expect to see some 10-day contract players.