(Mankato, MN) – The MoonDogs piled up the hits, but were having a hard time scoring until a three-run sixth inning gave the MoonDogs (11-11, 28-28) a one-run lead that they would hold on to defeat the La Crosse Loggers (6-17, 23-33) 3-2 Wednesday night in La Crosse, giving the MoonDogs their third straight victory. Right fielder Alan Oaks drove in two runs in the top of the sixth and eventually scored the go-ahead run on a single by catcher Jeff DeSmidt.

The MoonDogs recorded twelve hits over the first six innings, led by DeSmidt’s 2-for-4 performance as well as a 3-for-4 night by third baseman Nate Hanson, who doubled and scored once. Oaks finished 1-for-3 with a run scored and two runs batted in. First baseman Adam Abraham singled and scored once.

MoonDogs starter Chris Bennett (1-0) took the win after going six innings and giving up just two runs on seven hits while striking out five Logger batters. Relievers Matt Mossey and Josh Castanza combined to throw scoreless seventh and eighth innings with Castanza striking out two. Chad Dawson threw a hitless ninth inning to extend his franchise-record fifteenth save of the season, his third in as many games.

The Logger offense was led by third baseman Spencer Lucian and second baseman Justin Toole, each of which recorded two hits with Lucian doubling and scoring once. Center fielder Cole White and shortstop Gabe Schultz each singled and drove in a run, while catcher Trevor Coleman scored once.

Loggers starter Randy Johnson (0-1) went 5 1/3 innings, giving up three runs, on earned, on twelve hits in the loss. Relievers Brad Bjerke, Jordan Herbert, and Donny Erdall combined to hold the MoonDogs hitless over the final 3 2/3 innings while striking out five MoonDog batters.

The MoonDogs continue their series with the Loggers tonight in La Crosse. The game can be heard on the MoonDogs website. Game time is set for 7:05 pm.