Alexandria, Minn. – The Mankato MoonDogs beat the Alexandria Beetles, 5-3 on Wednesday night at Knute Nelson Memorial Park to win the series 2-1 and advance to the Summer Collegiate World Series. The MoonDogs will play the Battle Creek Bombers who swept Green Bay in the South Division playoffs.
The MoonDogs were down 2-0 early before putting four runs on the scoreboard in the fifth inning to give them the lead at 4-2. The inning was an important one for the MoonDogs, as they added one more run to give them the 5-3 win. In the fifth, Matt Reida (Kentucky) singled to jumpstart the offense. Reida advance to second on a wild pitch and then Shaun Cooper (Utah) walked. Nick Judkins (Creighton) walked to load the bases for Cody Ferrell (Seminole St.) and after fighting off eight pitches, he eventually walked as well, scoring Reida. Zak Wasserman (Louisville) and Chris Ross (Montevallo) both singled and drove in a combined three runs to give the ‘Dogs the lead.
MoonDogs pitcher starting pitcher Jeff Rohrbach (St. Edwards) got off to a rough start, giving up seven hits and two runs in 3 2/3 innings pitched. Mike Rivera (Fresno Pacific) picked up the win for the MoonDogs, pitching 1 1/3 innings, giving up two hits and one run. Patrick Goelz (Bethune-Cookman), who made the Northwoods League Postseason All-Star team, came up big out of the bullpen, pitching a one-hitter in four innings and striking out four batters.
The MoonDogs will play the Battle Creek Bombers tomorrow night at 7:05 at Franklin Rogers Park in game one of the Summer Collegiate World Series. Sam Selman (Vanderbilt) will get the start on the mound for the ‘Dogs. Selman is 2-4 on the season, but holds a 3.89 ERA and has 46 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings pitched.
Tickets for the Collegiate World Series are still available and are on sale at the MoonDogs ticket office located at 1221 Caledonia Street. The office will open at 8am on Thursday morning. For more information visit our website at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.
