On a night that almost found the MoonDogs rally back from a seven run deficit in the bottom of the ninth, the ‘Dogs fell short losing 9-6 to the St. Cloud River Bats.
After a sluggish game Friday night, the River Bats wasted no time as they scored three runs in the top of the first, three in the top of the second, and one more in the top of the third off of MoonDogs starting pitcher Justin Garcia.
The MoonDogs came up with a run in the bottom of the fourth and one more run in the bottom of the sixth to make the score 7-2.
In the top of the eighth, the River Bats put another two runs on the board to make it 9-2.
However, the MoonDogs made it very interesting in the bottom of the ninth as they sent nine batters to the plate. After two outs, Grant Rembert kept things alive as he smacked a single to score two runs for the ‘Dogs. Rembert’s hit brought the tying run to the plate in Tony Gonzalez.
The 1,114 fans in attendance waited excitedly in anticipation to see if it was going to be the ‘Dogs lucky night. Gonzalez sent the pitch back up the middle that looked like it would squirt through the infield, but a nice play by the River Bats infielder, tagged second base for the force out and ended the rally.
Grant Rembert finished 2-4 with a home run, which was his first of the season, three RBI and a run scored.
Infielder Matt Falk got a chance to pitch and did an admirable job going 3.1 innings, allowing just one hit and three strikeouts.
The MoonDogs head north to do battle with the Duluth Huskies Sunday and Monday. Then they will return to Franklin Rogers Park for a Tuesday night contest against defending Northwoods League champion Wisconsin Woodchucks. For tickets call 507-625-7047.