Mankato, Minn.- The Mankato MoonDogs beat the Brainerd Lakes Lunkers 6-2 in the rubber match of the three game series Monday night. The MoonDogs now take possession of first place in the Northwoods League North Division standings.
Brennan Moore (Texas Tech) had a great night from the plate for the MoonDogs. Moore was 3 for 4 from the plate and had two doubles, and the only time he retired was on a sacrifice bunt. Moore also had one RBI and scored two runs.
Shaun Cooper (Utah) also had a good night from the plate. Cooper was 3 for 5 on the night with one RBI.
MoonDogs second baseman Nick Judkins (Creighton) was 2 for 3 with a run scored and had the web gem of the night. Judkins had a magnificent, fully extended, diving catch in shallow centerfield for the second out in the ninth inning.
The MoonDogs put the pressure on the Lunkers early as they scored four runs second inning, and that was all they would need for the rest of the game. Blake Schwartz (Minnesota State) got the win for the MoonDogs as he once again pitched excellent. Schwartz pitched 5 and 2/3 innings, scattered five hits, walked one, and struck out seven Lunkers on the night. Schwartz is now 2-0 on the season and has a shockingly low 0.96 era in 18 and 2/3 innings pitched.
The MoonDogs padded their lead in the fourth inning with two more runs to make the score 6-1 at the point in the game. The Lunkers then close out the scoring in the game with another run in the eighth inning. Both of the Lunker runs were unearned.
The MoonDogs’ bullpen once again shutdown the opposition’s bats tonight, the bullpen had contributions from Stephen Rice (Vanderbilt), flame-throwing Josh Dahl (Central Arizona) and Eric Karch (Pepperdine). Those three relievers gave up no hits, and only one run while striking out four Lunkers in 3 and 1/3 innings of work.
The MoonDogs will now make their first encounter with the Willmar Stingers on Tuesday night, June 14th at 7:05pm.
Tuesday night is Mascot Olympics night. Come watch local mascots compete against out very own Muttnik to see who is the best mascot in Mankato. It is also St. Peter Night.
