ROCHESTER-Minn. Spencer O'Neil hit a pair of home runs and drove in five as the MoonDogs picked up a road victory Sunday afternoon against the Rochester Honkers 14-4.

 

The MoonDogs started the offense in the top of the third when Tyler Sullivan was hit by a pitch. Brinn Bell then smacked a double to center field, scoring Sullivan and Levi Scott followed with an RBI single to left.

 

The Honkers fought back in the bottom of inning 4 to tie the game at two when Derek Umphres had trouble with a ground ball to third base, scoring a run.

 

A two run home run by Spencer O'Neil in the top of the fifth off Honkers reliever Blake Quinn would put Mankato back on top for good and they added to their lead in the sixth. With one out, Logan Gray reached base on a walk and Tyler Sullivan reached on another infield single, advancing Gray to second.

 

Brinn Bell then singled to left field, scoring Gray and advancing Sullivan to third. Levi Scott then singled as well, scoring Sullivan and forcing Rochester to make a pitching change. Will Bamesberger came into the game and immediately gave up a three-run home run to Spencer O'Neil, who ended the night 3 for 5 at the plate.

 

The MoonDogs would get one more across in the sixth and add runs in the seventh, eighth, and ninth to bring their total to 14. MoonDogs relief pitcher Austin Warner picked up the win for Mankato. In 3.1 innings of work he gave up two earned runs while walking two and striking out four. Blake Quinn took the loss for Rochester.

 

The MoonDogs play Rochester on the road again tomorrow for a chance to sweep the two game series. Game time at 7:05. Fans can listen to the action on AM1230 The Fan Mankato with MoonDogs radio voice Josh Horton all season long.

 

The Mankato MoonDogs are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League YouTube channel.  For more information, visitwww.mankatomoondogs.com