MANKATO, Minn.- In a close match-up the Mankato MoonDogs come out on top with a 6-5 victory over the Rochester Honkers Tuesday at Franklin Rogers Park.

The Russian Bar Trio, an act featured on Oprah and America’s Got Talent, wasn’t the only entertainment to excite Tuesday’s crowd. The ‘MoonDogs came in tumbling, scoring five runs in the first inning to leave the Honkers trailing in the dust 5-0.

The MoonDogs were led offensively by Zach Luevanos (Lamar) and David Andriese (UC Riverside). Luevanos went 1-4 at the plate with two runs batted in. Andriese finished the night 2-3 with a RBI double and a run scored.

MoonDogs starting pitcher, Adam Mott (New Mexico State) tossed 5 1/3 innings allowing five runs on five hits, while walking three Honkers. The right-hander struck out six batters, to improve his record to 4-1 on the season.

The ‘Dogs slowed their pace after the second inning, giving Rochester a chance to battle back. With the help of left-fielder, Jared Allen (Tennessee), who went 1-3, with two runs batted in, a homerun and a run scored, the Honkers rallied five runs by the sixth inning to keep it a one run game.

Trevor Belicek (Texas A&M – Corpus) was the first reliever out of MoonDogs bullpen, replacing Mott. The Freshman left-hander went 2 2/3 innings without allowing a run on four hits. Derek Howell (Lousiana-Lafayette), closed the door on the Honkers, going one inning in relief to earn his fourth save of the summer.

The MoonDogs head to Rochester for the second game in their three game battle against the Honkers for a 7:05 p.m. game start. The ‘Dogs will be back at The Frank Thursday to finish the series at 7:05 p.m. for Twins Night presented by Hilltop Buffalo Wild Wings. Fans will have the chance to meet former Twin, Terry Steinbach, as he will throw out the first pitch along with taking pictures and signing autographs. Wally "The Beer Man," Twins organist, Sue Nelson, and Twins mascot, TC Bear will also be in attendance.

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.