Willmar, Minn. – The Mankato MoonDogs late inning come-back attempt fell just short, losing 5-3 in game two of Saturday’s day-night double header at Bill Taunton Stadium.

Tyler Niederklein (Nebraska) made his ninth start of the summer, but lasted just 3 and 1/3 innings. Niederklein picked up a no-decision, but managed to strike out a season high six batters in short work Saturday night. Steven Rice (Vanderbilt) suffered the loss, allowing four runs on five hits over three innings of work.

The MoonDogs trailed 5-1 heading into the ninth inning, but made a late inning come-back attempt. With two outs, and one run already in, Steve Nyisztor (Rutgers) blasted a double down the left field line, putting runners at second and third. Sam Lind (Vanderbilt) would score on a wild pitch, bringing the MoonDogs back within two, but Zak Wasserman (Louisville) grounded out to the pitcher for the final out, ending the come-back attempt.

The MoonDogs finish up their nine game, eight day road trip with a 6-3 record, and now head back to Mankato to for a pivotal two game home stand against the first place Alexandria Beetles. Jordan Remer (San Francisco) takes the mound for the MoonDogs in game one. Tickets for any of the MoonDogs remaining home games 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.