Alexandria, MN — The MoonDogs were shut out for 6 2/3 innings before their offense finally was able to break through, charging back from a three run deficit. Mikel Mucha went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Mankato's 5-4 win at Knute Nelson Memorial Park against the Blue Anchors on Friday night. 

Grand Hamilton (3-2) notched his second save of the year, entering the game with two outs in the eighth inning. Hamilton would record the next four outs in succession, three by way of strikeout, en route to locking down the 5-4 victory for the Mankato MoonDogs (8-12, 26-30) against the Alexandria Blue Anchors (12-9, 24-32).

Mankato came storming back in the eighth inning, scoring four runs on four hits. Brinn Bell made a pinch hit appearance in the inning, and didn't dissapoint at the plate. The left handed hitter out of St. Ambrose knocked in two runs on a bases clearing double that brought the MoonDogs within one run before he would come around to score himself, tying the game at 4-4. David Metzgar would plate Sulliam Rios-Reyes later in the inning to score what would prove to be the winning run.

The Blue Anchors held Mankato scoreless for the majority of the ball game, with Max Knutson going six strong innings, allowing just four hits while striking out seven MoonDogs. Knutson would get a no decision, while Jack Czeszewski (2-0) would pick up the win for Mankato. Mitch Larson (1-3) would be charged with the loss, as he allowed the game winning run to come to the plate in that eighth inning for Mankato. 

The MoonDogs will take on the Willmar Stingers on Saturday, with the first pitch at 6:05 PM at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato. Dickey's Barbeque will host a barbeque eating contest prior to the game, with the finals taking place during the Dogs and Stinger's tilt. 

"The Mankato MoonDogs are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, 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 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website.”