Duluth falls 6-3 to Mankato, despite out hitting the MoonDogs 9-8
Matthew Hargrove, matthewhargrove0834@gmail.com
Duluth, Minnesota – Four runs in the sixth inning was the key to victory today for the Mankato MoonDogs, as the big inning paved the way for a 6-3 win in game one of a two game set against the Duluth Huskies. Mankato right fielder Adam Fogel was almost unstoppable at the plate, going two for four with 2 RBI’s. His teammate in the designated hitter Matthew Higgins played a huge part in the win as well, snatching two hits with an RBI.
The first run of the ballgame did not come until the bottom of the fourth when catcher Bryan Broecker singled in right fielder Calyn Halvorson from third base to give the Huskies a 1-0 lead. Both teams scored one more run a piece before the MoonDogs poured it on in the top of the sixth inning. Duluth starter Zach Statzer gave up a two RBI double to Fogel with the bases loaded and two outs, giving the MoonDogs their first lead of the game at 3-2. Mankato would go on to score two more in the inning, sucking the soul out of Wade Stadium. One more run was scored for both sides before MoonDog relief pitcher Vince Reilly picked up the two inning save.
The Duluth Huskies now move to 7-4 in the second half, and will try to avoid a sweep tomorrow afternoon with Cameron Pool toeing the slab for the Huskies. Pool has just two appearances this year, with the ERA sitting at 6.75 in 5.1 innings thrown. Tomorrow afternoon’s game will be the final contest before the All-Star Break.
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The Duluth Huskies are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 27th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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, over 250 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and MLB Gold Glove finalist and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TOR). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.duluthhuskies.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Huskies as your favorite team.