Mankato, Minn. – The MoonDogs will be heading to the playoffs after an all-around quality game from both a hitting and pitching standpoint. The pitching staff only allowed two runs, five hits and struck out nine batters. The Mankato lineup had a big offensive night as well, scoring seven runs out of 10 hits.

The MoonDogs didn’t waste any time putting runs on the board, as they scored two in the bottom of the first inning. Austin Bull hit a ground-rule double and came around to score after Kyle MacDonald singled to right. Garret Mitchell drove in MacDonald on a double down the left field line.

Mankato extended their lead again in the fourth inning and scored four runs. During the inning, Garrett Mitchell reached base on an error by the La Crosse shortstop and scored off a CJ Huntley double down the right field line.

The only offense from the Loggers came in the sixth inning when Harrison Freed led off with a double and then came around to score off a Korey Lee double. Mike Rothenberger scored as well when Austin Murr singled up the middle.

Blake Tritch started on the mound today, and threw five innings and only allowed two runs. Jake Shepski helped clinch the victory and a playoff spot for the MoonDogs when he made a relief appearance in the ninth and set the Loggers down in order.

The MoonDogs will play the final game of the regular season tomorrow at The Frank against La Crosse. First pitch will be at 6:05 pm.

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The Mankato MoonDogs are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Now in its 25th anniversary season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 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, over 200 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (TOR).  All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.mankatomoondogs.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the MoonDogs as your favorite team.