For the second consecutive night, the St. Cloud River Bats ousted the MoonDogs by a score of 4-3. In both cases, a broken play caused the winning run to score and sent the MoonDogs on their way.

In last night’s game, down 3-0 in the 6th, the MoonDogs started a small rally. River Bats starter, Thomas Benton, had faced only 1 batter over the minimum until Jeremiah Piepkorn stepped up to the plate. With a 1-2 count and the bases loaded, Piepkorn hit a shot down the left field line, scoring all 3 runners and tying up the game.

In the bottom of the 7th, the River Bats made their move. Scoring on a wild pitch, with 2 outs broke the 3-3 tie, giving them a lead that they wouldn’t give back.

Jay Nessler seemed to be one of the only MoonDogs to figure out the River Bats pitching as he was 3-4 in the game.

The loss drops the MoonDogs to 7-9 in the second half and 2 games out in the race for the playoffs. Tonight starts a 2 game home stand against the red-hot Wisconsin Woodchucks, who come to town boasting a record of 15-3 in the second half. Game time is 6:05 at Franklin Rogers Park.