Alexandria, Minn- The Mankato MoonDogs lost a pair of tough ball games to the Alexandria Beetles (4-2 and 15-1) Thursday night at Knute Nelson Memorial Park.
Game 1:
The MoonDogs jumped out to an early lead in game one of Thursday night’s double header, scoring two runs in the top of the first. Brennan Moore (2-for-3) got the offense rolling with a lead off single, eventually scoring the first run of the game. Mankato would send seven batters to the plate in the top of the first inning, but managed to only score two runs, their only runs of the game.
Michael Reed (2-1) handed Mankato their sixth loss of the season, delivering a complete game victory. Reed allowed two runs on five hits while striking out five batters in seven innings of work. Abel Guerrero (2-2) suffered the loss in game one, allowing three runs while walking five batters in four innings of work.
Game 2:
Game two was not pretty for the MoonDogs. Starting pitcher Jordan Remer (1-1) lasted just 1/3 of an inning, walking six batters, allowing six runs to score. In all MoonDogs pitchers faced 15 batters in the first inning, walking 11. Stephen Rice pitched well in emergency relief, going 3 1/3 innings out of the bullpen, but was ejected during his at bat in the fifth inning for arguing balls and strikes.
Alexandria Beetles starting pitcher Corey Miller (1-1) picked up his first victory of the summer allowing just one run on three hits. Miller struck out eight batters through seven innings of work.
Manakto will send Kyle Richter (1-0) to the hill tomorrow night trying to reverse their fortunes against Alexandria in game three of this four game road trip. The MoonDogs return home to Franklin Rogers Park Monday, June 27th to take on the Thunder Bay Boarder Cats. Mondays game will be Bike to the Ball Park Night. All fans who bike to the park will receive a free hot dog! It is also Dollar Dog Presented by Hormel. Season and single game tickets are now on sale at the MoonDogs office located at 1221 Caledonia Street. For more information visit our website at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.