The St. Cloud River Bats committed 5 errors, but a big three-run home run by Jake Eigsti in the bottom of the fourth inning, catapulted the ‘Bats to a 7-6 win.

After holding an early 2-1 lead through three innings, Manny Bishop and the MoonDogs ran into trouble in the bottom half of the fourth. Jake Eigsti led the charge for the ‘Bats with his three-run blast and chased Bishop from the game, scoring a total of four runs and taking a 5-3 lead.

St. Cloud scored two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to lead 7-3. But the MoonDogs clawed back, scoring three runs in the top of the eighth. Neil Wagner came in and pitched a scoreless eighth to give the MoonDogs a chance.

The ninth inning got off to a good start for the ‘Dogs, getting a lead-off single. But ‘Bats closer, Jason Mills, doomed the ‘Dogs rally by shutting down the next three batters to pick up his ninth save of the season.

Mankato scored five unearned runs off of the River Bats blunders in the field.

Matt Falk picked up three hits, going 3-5 with a double and a RBI, improving his team-leading batting average to .310.

The MoonDogs return home tonight, Monday, July 19 to host the St. Cloud River Bats at 7:05 p.m. It’s MSU Coach Dean Bowyer Bobblehead night, where the first 600 fans will receive a free Dean Bowyer bobblehead. Tickets can be purchased at either Hy-Vee location, or stop by the MoonDogs ticket office, otherwise call 507-625-7047.