Mankato, Minn. – The MoonDogs (3-7, 18-27) lost to the Willmar Stingers (5-5, 23-22) 13 to 8 Sunday at Franklin Rogers Park.

Mankato out hit the Stingers but could not match the 13 runs put up by the Stingers. Willmar scored four runs in the first inning and then seven more in the second and third. The ‘Dogs scored in five different innings but the most they were able to score was two in a given inning.

MoonDogs’ pitcher Josh Moody (Arizona State) took the loss. He went two innings and gave up nine runs on five hits. Stingers’ pitcher Matt Collins got the win. He went one and two third innings and gave up a home run to MoonDogs’ catcher Jeremy Rodriguez (Cal State – Bakersfield).

Mankato had six players with a multi-hit game. Rodriguez went two for four with a solo homerun and two runs scored. Designated hitter Taylor Wrenn (USC) also went two for four and scored twice.

The night was in tribute to Dustin Lemke who past away this winter. They were able to raise $777 dollars for the Dustin Lemke Scholarship Fund. Balloons were sold and then released after the ceremonial first pitch in memory of Dustin. Wrist bans and donations were also used to raise the money.

The ‘Dogs get a break for the All-Star Game and will play again on Thursday in Rochester. They will be back home Friday for a game against Rochester at Franklin Rogers Park at 7:05 p.m. It will be Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union and KEYC present The ZOOperstarts National Entertainment Act, Minor League baseball’s #1 entertainment act.