WATERLOO, IOWA– After winning at home last night, 4-3, the Mankato MoonDogs embarked on a five game, six day road trip Saturday night with a pit stop in Waterloo to wrap up their three game series with the Bucks. Waterloo once again scored runs in bunches, hitting their way to a 10-4 victory over the Mankato MoonDogs at Riverfront Stadium.
MoonDogs starting pitcher, Kahana Neal (U. of the Cumberlands) had been among the Northwoods League’s best during the month of July, going 17.2 innings without allowing an earned run in three starts in the month of July, but struggled Saturday night, allowing a season high six runs (five earned runs) on seven hits over four innings. The Hawaiian born right-hander struggled with his command for most of his four inning, walking three batters without a strikeout.
Waterloo’s starting Pitcher Landon Simpson (Arkansas) was dominant over his first five innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five MoonDogs batters. The freshman RHP ran into trouble in the sixth inning though, allowing four runs on three hits, but managed to leave the game with a 7-4 lead.
The bullpen combination of Dresen Johnson (Illinois) and Adam Dian (Temple) silenced the MoonDogs offense over the final three innings, retiring the final nine batters in order.
Chase Simpson (Wichita St) paced the MoonDogs offensively Saturday night, going 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI. Matt Jones also had a good night, going 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Mankato opens up interleague play Sunday night with a two game series against the Madison Mallards. Cameron Giannini (Southern Miss) takes the mound for Mankato in game one. First pitch is schedule for 5:05 p.m. at Warner Park.
Mankato returns to Franklin Rogers Park on Friday, August 2 to kick off a season-ending eight game homestand. Next Friday is the Baseball Card Giveaway night presented by Sports PiX and Hot 96.7.
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
