Alexandria, Minn- The Mankato MoonDogs snapped their three game losing streak Saturday night defeating the Alexandria Beetles 16-2 at Knute Nelson Memorial Ballpark.

The MoonDogs pitching staff came into Saturday night’s game 2-3 over their last five games allowing 5.2 runs per game. With their lead in the North Division standings down to just one game, the MoonDogs turned to right-hander Tyler Neiderklein (Nebraska) to get the team back on the right track. Neiderklein (2-0) dominated through 6 2/3 innings, giving up four hits while striking out three Beetles batters lowering his ERA to a minuscule 1.32.

The MoonDogs offense has scored 127 runs (2nd in NWL) on the season, but hit a wall, scoring just 17 runs over the last five games (3.4 runs per game). The Offense broke loose against beetles starting pitcher Kyle Vangheluwe (1-2) in the fourth inning, scoring eight runs on six hits.

James McDonald (ASU) continued his hot start in a MoonDogs uniform, blasting his second homerun in as many days, going 3-for-5 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. McDonald was one of three MoonDogs to hit home runs on the night, Chris Ross (Montevallo) and Blair Moore (San Diego St.) went back to back in the top of the ninth inning to extend their lead from 12-2 to 16-2. Ross’ homerun, his first of the season, was also the MoonDogs first three-run blast of the summer.

With the win, the MoonDogs extended their lead in the North Division standings to two games over the Alexandria, Brainerd, and Willmar. Mankato will enjoy their first off day of the summer Sunday, before starting a crucial five game series against the Thunder Bay Boarder Cats.

Mondays game at Franklin Rogers Park 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.