Mankato, Minn. – The MoonDogs defeated the Willmar Stingers 9 to 2 Friday at Franklin Rogers Park.

The MoonDogs started the second half of the season by scoring 9 runs in front of 1,167 fans. The scoring started in the first inning as the ‘Dogs put up three runs and never looked back.

MoonDogs pitcher Alex Blackford (Arizona State) went seven innings, allowed two unearned runs and three hits. Blackford was able to strike out seven Stingers and only walked one batter.

The bats stayed hot as the MoonDogs recorded 10 hits. Catcher Jeremy Rodriquez (Cal State Bakersfield) went three for four and scored a run. Third baseman Jordan Steranka (Penn State) went two for four and drove in four runs.

The MoonDogs are home against Willmar Tuesday for The Mascot Olympics. Come out to Franklin Rogers Park to see Mankato’s finest mascots compete for the gold.