On a great day for an afternoon game, both the MoonDogs and Bucks went on a scoring binge, with Waterloo coming out one run better in a 7-6 win.

In the first 3 innings, a total of seven runs were scored with Mankato up 4-3.

Waterloo came back with another run in the top of the sixth inning to tie the score 4-4, then took the lead back in the top of the seventh, scoring two runs to make it 6-4. The see-saw battle continued as the MoonDogs took their turn and scored 2 runs themselves to tie the game once again, 6-6.

In the top of the eighth inning, Waterloo put runners at the corners with 2 outs. Will Krout, making his second straight relief appearance in as many days, tried a pick-off at first-base, but the Bucks executed a perfect steal-home play to give them the lead 7-6.

Matt Falk gave hope to the hometown crowd in the bottom of the ninth inning with a lead-off single, but Bucks closer, Chad Epperson, had other ideas by retiring the next three batters to pick up his ninth save of the season.

Matt Falk had a great day at the plate for the MoonDogs, finishing 4-4 and Brian Steinmeyer went 2-4 with 2 RBI.

The Northwoods League has reached the All-Star break with the game taking place Wednesday, July 14th in Wausau, Wisconsin. Representing the MoonDogs this year will be pitchers Will Krout and Kevin Dixon along with outfielder Ryan Chialrelli. This will be Krout and Chiarelli’s second appearance at the Northwoods League All-Star game.

Mankato returns to action Friday, July 16th as they hit the road to play the Thunder Bay Border Cats.