MANKATO-Minn. The Mankato MoonDogs got off to a rough start in the first inning, allowing five runs, but came storming back thanks to big games at the plate for Eric Schenck-Joblinske and Tyler Sullivan and they went on to win 8-6 against the Eau Claire Express on Sunday night at Franklin Rogers Park.
Things looked bleak for Mankato to start the game as starting pitcher Blake Battenfield gave up a two out grand slam home run to Express first baseman Jack Zoellner. The MoonDogs relievers bought their best stuff again though as Garrett Ring, Dillon Williams, and Tyler Mark allowed a combined one run the rest of the night, allowing the offense to start chipping their way back.
The comeback started in the bottom of the second when Tanner Rockwell led off being hit by a pitch and Eric Schenck-Joblinske walked. MoonDogs catcher Craig Lepre reached on a hit by pitch to load the bases and 1-0 pitch found Patrick Massoni as well to bring in the first run of the game for Mankato. With the bases still loaded, MoonDogs All-Star Tyler Sullivan knocked in two with a single to right field and Levi Scott picked up an RBI with a single to right center.
Eric Schenck put an exclamation point on the MoonDogs comeback efforts in the bottom of the third with a solo home run to deep center field, tying the ballgame at five. Then in the fifth, Levi Scott led off the inning with a single to left center field and would eventually score on a Craig Lepre fielder’s choice ground ball to second base to put the MoonDogs ahead 6-5. They added two more runs in the eighth for insurance, picking up four singles in the inning including a Peter Maris single to center field, scoring Ridge Smith on the play.
Garrett Ring got the win for his efforts in relief, going five strong innings starting in the top of the second and allowing zero runs on three this with four strikeouts. Tyler Duree was tagged with the loss for Eau Claire. He went six innings out of the bullpen and gave up two earned runs on six MoonDogs’ hits including a home run and one strikeout.
The MoonDogs will enjoy their second off day of the season tomorrow but will resume play on Tuesday afternoon at Mayo Field against the Rochester Honkers. Fans can listen to the action live with the voice of the MoonDogs Josh Horton on AM1230 The Fan Mankato. First pitch is at 1:05pm.
With the victory and two game sweep of the Express, the MoonDogs improve their record to 8-5 in the second half north division standings, one game behind the division leading St. Cloud Rox. Eau Claire moves down in the north division standings to second place with a record of 8-4.
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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