Mankato, Minnesota—The Mankato MoonDogs and the Kalamazoo Growlers kicked off a two-game series tonight at Franklin Rogers Park, and the MoonDogs were able to pick up their third victory in as many games, defeating the Growlers 9-5.
The first six runs for Mankato came as a result of the MoonDogs scoring in four consecutive innings, from the second to the fifth, after the Growlers put up two in the first for an early lead.
Those six runs would prove to be enough for Mankato, but the ‘Dogs would add three more insurance runs anyway in the eighth to extend their lead to six runs in their final at-bat.
Bryce Adams had a big night at the dish for Mankato, going 4-for-4, picking up two RBI and scoring two runs as well.
Jordan Harms got the nod to start for the MoonDogs, and despite a shaky first inning was very solid for the ‘Dogs, giving Mankato six innings on the mound allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out five.
Brian Gadsby relieved Harms in the seventh and struck out all three batters he would face on the night.
Brick Paskiewicz would then give the MoonDogs two innings of relief to finish the game and was able pick up the save, his fifth of the season, despite allowing two ninth inning runs.
The MoonDogs offense certainly was efficient tonight, scoring their nine runs on just as many hits as a team while also drawing eight walks.
The nine MoonDog runs brought them to 24 total over the last two nights, all coming without the help of the long ball.
The win for Mankato was a big one as the team is in a neck-and-neck race for one of the four North Division playoff spots.
The team began the day owning the fourth best overall record in the division and, with the win, were able to move within a half-game of third place Waterloo who had the day off.
Kalamazoo will be back at The Frank to take on Mankato again tomorrow night, as the ‘Dogs look for their second consecutive series sweep and a perfect 4-0 home stand.
Tickets are still available and can be picked up at the gates, in their office at 1221 Caledonia St., or online at www.mankatomoondogs.com
You can also listen to the game live on 1230 AM The Fan Mankato, the iHeart Radio app, or online at www.mankatomoondogs.com
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The Mankato MoonDogs are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 23rd 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 150 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 (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visitwww.mankatomoondogs.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store and set the MoonDogs as your favorite team.
The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 22-year-old summer collegiate 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 150 former 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 (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store.