MANKATO-Minn. The MoonDogs used a six run seventh inning to propel themselves to an 8-4 win against the division leading Eau Claire Express on Saturday night at Franklin Rogers Park.
Trailing 4-2 coming into the seventh, MoonDogs catcher Craig Lepre got the offense started, drawing a one out walk. Tyler Sullivan followed with a single to shallow left center field to put runners on the corners for Mankato. Brett Synek drove them both in with a clutch single to right field and the hits kept rolling from there.
Peter Maris picked up an RBI on a single and Levi Scott reached on a single to shallow right field. The MoonDogs called upon Brett Murray to pinch hit for designated hitter Derek Umphres next and was able to reach base on a fielder’s choice. With two outs Brinn Bell doubled down the right field line and Tanner Rockwell followed with an RBI single through the left side of the infield to bring home Bell, putting the MoonDogs in front 8-4.
As has been the case all season, the MoonDogs got good relief outings from Alex Hackerott and MoonDogs All-Star selection Tyler Mark, who shut down the Express in the ninth. Hackerott picked up the win for his efforts out of the bullpen going 2.2 innings and yielding zero runs off two hits. Brett Seeburger took the loss for Eau Claire, giving up four earned runs on four hits with two walks while working just 1.1 innings out of the pen.
With the victory, the Mankato MoonDogs improve their record to 7-5 in the north division second half standings, 1.5 games out of first place. Eau Claire, who holds the best record in the north division drops to 8-3 with the loss.
The MoonDogs will be back in action tomorrow night for game four of their current home stand at Franklin Rogers Park to play Eau Claire. First pitch is at 6:05pm. The first 400 kids in attendance will receive a free MoonDogs baseball. You can also listen to all MoonDogs games home or on the road on AM1230 The Fan Mankato with the voice of the team Josh Horton. Official attendance was 1132.
The Mankato MoonDogs are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League YouTube channel.
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