MANKATO, MINN. – The Mankato MoonDogs’ pitching staff got knocked around all night in an 18-2 dismantling at the hands of the Alexandria Blue Anchors on Saturday night at Franklin Rogers Park.

Entering the game at the top of the Northwoods League in ERA (2.63), Mankato’s pitching stats took a hit as they gave up 21 hits to Alexandria, including six home runs.  Two of the Blue Anchor’s homers came off the bat of Austin Listi (Dallas Baptist), including a grand slam in the first inning.  Listi added a double later to bring his game totals to 3-for-5 with six RBIs.

The game got out of hand fast for the MoonDogs, as Alexandria was able to hit their way to a 14-0 lead by the end of three innings. Mankato could not get any momentum going on the mound, as five different pitchers saw action on Saturday, but none lasted over three innings.

Mankato broke the Blue Anchor’s shutout bid in the fifth as Quinnton Mack (New Mexico State) ripped an RBI single to center field to bring Kendall Patrick (Michigan) home. 

The MoonDogs were only able to manage six hits on the night, four coming on Alexandria starter Chase Rihtarchik (Michigan State), who threw six innings giving up one earned run. 

Mankato will look to regroup and get back on the winning track Sunday as they head South to begin a two-game set with the Waterloo Bucks.  The MoonDogs then play a pair of games in St. Cloud before returning to the Frank on Thursday, June 20 to play a pair of seven inning contests against the Willmar Stingers.  Game one will start at 6:05, and game two will start shortly after the conclusion of game one.  The game is T-Shirt Giveaway Night presented by HickoryTech, the first 500 fans in attendance receive a free MoonDogs t-shirt. 

Season and single game tickets are on sale at the MoonDogs office located at 1221 Caledonia Street in Mankato.  For more information visit the team’s website at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the office a 507-625-7047.