Matt Sanders, Bombers Broadcaster

The Battle Creek Bombers defeated the Mankato Moondogs 7-5 Wednesday night at Franklin Rogers Park, splitting the two-game series. With the win, the Bombers improve to 32-29 on the season and 14-11 in the second half.

The Bombers found their way on the scoreboard after trailing early. Down 1-0 in the fourth, first baseman Nick Podkul led off with a single. Defensive miscues by Mankato allowed Podkul to advance to third. Center fielder Dean Miller followed by flying out to center field. It was deep enough for Podkul to score to tie the game at one.

The Moondogs got the run back in the bottom of the fourth, but Battle Creek tied it up again in the fifth. Right fielder Christian Helsel and second baseman Cody Sporrer each got on with a walk to start the inning. Designated hitter Eric Gilgenbach followed with a single, and then a throwing error allowed Helsel to come around and score, making it a 2-2 game.

With the Bombers trailing 4-2 in the eighth, left fielder Daniel Jipping led off the inning with a single. After Christian Helsel struck out, Cody Sporrer grounded into a fielder’s choice, with Jipping out at second on the force. Eric Gilgenbach followed with a double, advancing Sporrer to third base. With two outs, pinch-hitter Storm Joop popped up into center field, but Mankato’s center fielder Marcus Pingleton dropped the ball. Both Sporrer and Gilgenbach scored on the error to tie the game at four.

With the game still tied in the ninth inning, Nick Podkul hit a leadoff homerun over the left field wall to give Battle Creek the 5-4 lead. Dean Miller followed with a solo shot to give the Bombers the 6-4 lead. Catcher Jacob Blunt followed with a double. He advanced to third after Daniel Jipping grounded out. Blunt came home after a wild pitch, to give the Bombers the 7-4 lead.

The Moondogs would score one run in the bottom of the ninth inning, but the Bombers held on to win 7-5.

Malcolm Grady took the no decision for the Bombers. He allowed four runs on five hits. He went six innings for Battle Creek, which is tied for his longest outing of the year. He allowed five walks while striking out one batter. Austin Bueter came on to relieve Grady and struck out two batters in 2.2 innings of relief as he picked up his first win of the year. David Inman came on for the one-out save to close the game for Battle Creek.

The Bombers now head to Rochester for a two-game series against the Honkers starting Thursday night at 8:05/7:05 Central.