Wausau, Wis. – In a classic pitcher’s duel, it was Mankato’s Tim Griffin who prevailed. The junior from Rollins allowed no runs on just four hits in 7.1 innings to give the MoonDogs their first win of the season by a 1-0 count over Wisconsin Saturday evening at Athletic Park.

After a combined three hits through 6.1 innings by the two squads, the MoonDogs finally broke the scoreless tie in the seventh. Gabe Sandersius showed signs of tiring in the inning, walking the bases loaded before giving way to Dan Gardo. Kenny Held (Central Arizona) then bounced into a fielder’s choice, avoiding the double play, and giving the ‘Dogs the only run of the ballgame.

Griffin made the most of his Northwoods League debut, striking out eight and allowing just four hits before leaving with one out in the eighth inning. The bullpen was just as impressive, as Adam Jung (Central Arizona) and Josh Castanza (Minnesota State) threw 1.2 innings of hitless ball.

Castanza stranded a runner on second in the eighth and ninth innings to record his first save to get the MoonDogs their first win of the season.

Four different players accounted for the four hits for Mankato, as Cody Fick (Evansville), Tony Strazzara (San Diego), Danny Miller (Minnesota State) and Nick Judkins (Iowa Central) all had a hit.

The MoonDogs and Woodchucks will wrap up their series in Wausau tomorrow. First pitch is slated for 5:05 p.m.