MANKATO, Minn.–The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is pleased to announce a 10-8 victory in their first meeting of the season with the Alexandria Beetles.

In what was billed as a pitchers dual, Monday’s game turned out to be a slugfest. The two teams combined for 25 hits and 18 runs. Craig Massoni (Chabot College) led the MoonDogs offensive attack going 3-3 at the plate, with a pair of walks and two runs batted in. Massoni blasted his first home run of the season in the third inning, a towering shot over the centerfield wall.

A night after losing to the Rochester Honkers on a walk-off homerun, the MoonDogs bullpen had a chance to redeem themselves. Trailing 7-5 in the fourth inning, reliever, Alika Pruett (Arizona Christian), entered the ball game restoring order for the MoonDogs. The talented right-hander went 4 1/3 innings allowing one run on three hits, while striking out two Beetles batters, earning the win in his final night with the MoonDogs.

Beetles starter, Ali Simpson (Bethune-Cookman), struggled in his first start back from Tommy-John surgery. The lefty lasted just two innings allowing one run on two hits, while walking four and striking out three. Rene Martinez (UNC-Asheville) suffered his first loss of the season in relief going two innings allowing four runs on three hits, while walking two.

The MoonDogs continue their three game series against the Beetles at the Frank Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. It is Bark in the Park Night presented by BENCHES, bring your dog and get into the game free. Single and season tickets are on sale at the MoonDogs office located at 1221 Caledonia Street. For more information, visit our website www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.