(Mankato, MN) – The MoonDogs (3-6, 18-26) pulled out a hard fought 2-0 victory in the series opener against the Willmar Stingers (4-5, 22-22) Saturday night at Franklin Rogers Park.

Pitching dominated for both teams. Sam Selman (2-0, Vanderbilt) threw seven innings of scoreless baseball. He struck out five and did not allow a hit through his first six innings of work. Stinger starter Cedric Pomerlee (1-3, Alcorn St.) did his best to keep pace with Selman, turning in a solid performance as well, only allowing two runs on five hits in his six innings of work.

The win moved the MoonDogs to 5-4 this season against the Stingers as the two clubs have developed a nice rivalry. Saturday night’s victory was the fifth game between the two teams that was decided by two runs or fewer.

It was the second win for the MoonDogs during their current seven game homestand. It also moved them back to within three games of first place in the North division as both first place teams, Brainerd and Alexandria lost Saturday night.

The MoonDogs and Stingers play for the final time in 2010 as they wrap up their series Sunday night at 6:05 p.m. at Franklin Rogers. It is the final game for both teams before the All-Star break.