MANKATO, MINN.- The night after suffering a tough defeat at the hands of their divisional rival Duluth, the Mankato MoonDogs responded with a convincing 14-4 victory over the Green Bay Bullfrogs on Tuesday night to kick off a string of four interleague games at Franklin Rogers Park.
A big fifth inning broke what began as a tight game wide open as a 3-2 MoonDog lead grew to 9-2 thanks to seven hits and six runs. Jonathan Rodriguez (Oklahoma City) and Chase Simpson (Wichita State) each contributed a home run in the inning to account for three of the scores, their sixth and tenth bombs of the season respectively. Josh Fuentes (Saddleback College) also ripped a two-RBI double to center field to round out the inning’s damage.
After surrendering two runs in the top of the seventh inning after former MoonDog Bryant Burleson (Texas Tech) connected on a two-run homer to bring Green Bay within five of Mankato, the MoonDogs strung together five runs over their last two frames to ice the victory and complete a turnaround game for the Mankato offense.
After coming up cold on Monday night the MoonDogs battered the Bullfrogs pitching staff for 20 hits, as Hibraim Cordova (Univ. of the Cumberlands) and John Michael Twichell (UT-Arlington) each registered four hits and a pair of RBIs. Twichell continued his recent dominance at the plate knocking his 17th home run out of the park in the eighth inning, bringing him within four of the MoonDogs’ single season record.
On the mound, Bryan Bonnell (UNLV) picks up the win (4-2) after a solid start, throwing six and a third innings allowing six hits, one earned run and two walks while striking out eight to keep the Bullfrogs at bay.
Bonnell received ample support from his bullpen to preserve the lead he built, as Cody Jansen (Purdue North Central) put in an inning and two-thirds of work, with Burleson’s home run being the only blemish. Chase Simpson added an inning of shutout ball to his home run and two runs scored as he threw the ninth inning in his second pitching appearance of the season, turning Green Bay away in order.
Despite the win, the MoonDogs (20-10, 37-28 overall) did not gain any ground of Duluth as the Huskies were victorious against the Wisconsin Woodchucks on Tuesday and hung on to their one game edge over Mankato. However enticing it might be for Mankato to keep a close eye on the out-of-town scoreboard in the remaining portion of their schedule, the best thing they can do for their playoff chances is to keep winning games.
They look to do that on Wednesday night as they finish their series with Green Bay for Minnesota Vikings Night presented by KXLP, come dressed in your purple and celebrate the Vikings’ training camp. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. at Franklin Rogers Park.
To make sure you dont miss any of the action, get your tickets today by visiting the MoonDogs office at 1221 Caledonia Street in Mankato, or over the phone at 507-625-7047. For more information and up-to-date news, stats and more visit our website at www.mankatomoondogs.com, Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter (@MoonDogsBall).
