By Matt Sanders, Bombers broadcaster

The Battle Creek Bombers defeated the Mankato Moondogs 7-6 Saturday night at C.O. Brown Stadium in walk-off fashion, to split the interdivision series.

The Bombers got the lead early on against Mankato. Shortstop Daniel Patzlaff led off the third inning with a walk, and advanced to second on a single by second baseman Jarrod Watkins. Both runners advanced after third baseman Ryan Dorow hit a sacrifice bunt. With one out, right fielder Christian Helsel hit a single, scoring both runs and giving the Bombers the 2-0 lead.

The Bombers kept the lead until the fifth inning. Mankato scored four runs in the inning and then added two runs in the sixth, giving them the 6-2 lead.

While trailing in the bottom of the sixth, left fielder Nick Poirier walked but was then out after catcher Cody Young hit into a fielder’s choice. Designated hitter Cody Sporrer followed with a single, advancing Young to second. After Daniel Patzlaff struck out, Jarrod Watkins hit a single, scoring Young and cutting the deficit to 6-3. Ryan Dorow followed with a double, scoring Sporrer and Watkins, making the game 6-5 in favor of the Moondogs.

With the Bombers down by one run in the bottom of the seventh inning, center fielder Dean Miller hit a single. Nick Poirier and Cody Young followed with walks to load the bases. With one out in the inning, Cody Sporrer hit a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Miller to make the game a 6-6 tie.

With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, first baseman Nick Podkul led off with a single and advanced to second after Dean Miller hit a single up the middle. Nick Poirier struck out after being unable to drop down the sacrifice bunt. Both Podkul and Miller advanced as Mankato pitcher Kevin Yarabenic’s pickoff attempt to second base went into center field. Cody Young was intentionally walked to load the bases with just one out. With the bases loaded, Cody Sporrer grounded into a fielder’s choice, scoring Nick Podkul, giving the Bombers the 7-6 victory.

Bombers starting pitcher Scott Sency went five innings, as he took the no decision. He allowed five runs on seven hits before he was relieved by Edgar Sanchez. Sanchez, Justin van Berkel and Krystien Johnson-Battilana went the rest of the way for the Bombers, keeping them in the game.

The Bombers now welcome the Rockford Rivets to Battle Creek for a two-game stint starting Sunday afternoon at 3:05.