The MoonDogs finished off the 2004 season on a high note, winning their fourth consecutive game, by defeating the Waterloo Bucks, 6-4.

Both teams exchanged goose eggs the first three innings until Mankato broke the scoreless tie with a run in the top of the fourth inning.

Waterloo didn’t waste any time to tie things up, scoring 1 run in their half of the fourth.

With the score tied at one, the MoonDogs went on to score 2 runs in the sixth and another 2 runs in the seventh to open up some breathing room, 5-1.

After the Bucks picked up a run in the seventh, the ‘Dogs came right back in the eighth to add an insurance run. With the home crowd on their side, Waterloo attempted to make a comeback in the last 2 innings by scoring a run in each the eighth and ninth, but the MoonDogs bullpen held their ground.

Kevin Dixon entered in the eighth and pitched the final 2 innings to pick up his fourth save on the season.

MoonDogs starter, Skyler Young, took the ball for the last time and didn’t disappoint in his 5 innings of work. Young (2-4) finished with 5 innings, allowing 1 run on 1 hit, walking 3 and fanning 6 Bucks on his way to his second win of the season.

Aaron Grant collected two hits on the night, upping his batting average to .321 and finishing the season fourth overall in the Northwoods League in batting average. Along with the 2 hits, Grant scored 2 runs and an RBI. Ryan Chiarelli finished 2-3 with a run scored and 3 RBI.