St. Cloud, Minn- The St. Cloud River Bats defeated the Mankato MoonDogs 5-3 Thursday night at Joe Faber Field.

Former MoonDog, and current St. Cloud River Bat infielder, Bryan Harr (San Diego) blasted a two-run homerun over the left field wall in the bottom of the 12th inning, guiding the River Bats to a game one victory. Harr led the River Bats offensively, going 2-for-4 with two walks, two RBI and one run scored.

Blake Schwartz (MSU) made his 11th start of the summer, but lasted just 3 and 2/3 innings, reaching his pitch count in the fourth inning in his final tune up before making the Game 1 start in the first round of the playoffs. Schwartz allowed just one run on two hits while striking out four. Tyler Niederklein (Nebraska) also made his final appearance before starting in the playoffs next week for Mankato. Niederklein and Mike Rivera (Fresno Pacific) each went 3 and 2/3 innings, allowing a combined two runs on five hits, while striking out 13 River Bats batters. Logan Willard (Iowa Central C.C.) suffered the tough luck loss, giving up the late inning home run to Harr in the 12th inning.

Mike Rivera and Cody Ferrell (Seminole St.) led the MoonDogs offensively, going a combined 4-for-8 with two RBI and one run scored.

The MoonDogs have two games left in their three day road trip before returning home for their final home stand of the season, August 13th against the Thunder Bay Boarder Cats. Tickets for any of the MoonDogs remaining home games, and playoff 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