MANKATO, MINN. — After exploding for 28 runs in two games against Rochester earlier in the week, the Mankato MoonDogs offense went cold against the Alexandria Blue Anchors, only managing five runs in their two-game series, including two on Thursday in a 5-2 defeat at Franklin Rogers Park.

While the MoonDogs were able to outhit Alexandria 9-8 in the game, they struggled to hit extra-base hits.  Only Zach Zehner (Cal Poly SLO) and Quinnton Mack (New Mexico St.) were able to manage anything other than a single. 

Mankato simply had no match for Blue Anchors’ starting pitcher Hunter Newman (LSU), who picks up his first win of 2013 after throwing six innings spraying five hits, while striking out seven.  Newman kept the MoonDogs off the scoreboard until Mack’s sixth inning double brought home Zehner.

The RBI double seemed to spark some life into the MoonDogs and the Franklin Rogers crowd, cutting the Blue Anchors 3-0 lead down to 3-1.  The momentum was short-lived though, as Michael Barash (LSU) had a quick answer for Alexandria, delivering a two-run cannon in the top of the seventh.  Barash finished his night batting 2-for-5 with 4 RBI.

MoonDogs starting pitcher Julian Esquibel (Faulkner University) played well, giving up six hits and two earned runs over six innings while striking out four.  Nonetheless, he was not able to keep the Blue Anchors from building a three-run lead with runs in the third, fifth, and sixth innings.

Mankato was able to get one run back in the bottom of the ninth and bring the tying run to the plate in Chase Simpson (Wichita State), but there was no comeback to be had as Alexandria retired the side on a fielder’s choice, clinching the game and the series split.

The loss drops the MoonDogs to 5-3 in the second half, and brings Alexandria to a 2-5 mark.  Mankato continues their homestand with a pair of games against the Duluth Huskies starting on Friday night at the Frank.  It is the Huskies’ first visit to Mankato in 2013, and Mankato holds a 3-1 edge in the season series, which consists of a pair of doubleheaders at Wade Stadium.  Friday is also Super Hero and Every Day Hero Day presented by Hot 96.7 and Boy Scout Night, as the MoonDogs celebrate everyone’s favorite super heroes as well as the fire and police departments.  First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

Great seats are available to all remaining home games, on sale at the MoonDogs office located at 1221 Caledonia Street in Mankato, as well as over the phone at 507-625-7047.  To stay up to date, Like the MoonDogs on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter (@MoonDogsBall), or visit the website at www.mankatomoondogs.com.