Photo captured by Dylan Engel (Mankato MoonDogs)
Written by Connor Wachtel
MANKATO, Minn. – The Mankato MoonDogs picked up their fifth win in a row Monday night when they defeated the St. Cloud Rox, 4-1, at ISG Field.
The win brings the MoonDogs’ record to 33-24 on the season and 14-9 in the second half. The loss dropped the Rox to 42-16 and 17-8 in the second half.
Kai Roberts (Utah) crossed the plate to open the scoring in favor of the MoonDogs Monday night at ISG Field on an RBI single to center hit by Brendan Hord (Evansville). With one inning down and eight to go, the MoonDogs led the Rox 1-0.
The fifth frame saw Charles McAdoo (San Jose State) extend the lead to 2-0 when he doubled off the top of the elevated fence down the leftfield line at ISG Field to score Ariel Armas (San Diego) from second base.
In the sixth inning, Roberts provided insurance in the form of an RBI single to left. After one more MoonDog scored later in the inning thanks to a wild pitch, Mankato found itself grasping a 4-0 lead over St. Cloud.
The Rox grabbed their first run in the eighth courtesy of a passed ball to stave off the MoonDogs’ chance at a shutout. However, the deficit shifted back to four runs, 5-1, in the bottom half of the inning when the Rox’ right fielder fumbled a routine fly ball batted by Roberts that could’ve ended the inning.
The MoonDogs carried the 5-1 advantage through the end of the game to pick up their fifth consecutive victory.
John Lundgren (Illinois), now 3-3, showed out in his seventh and final start of the summer for the MoonDogs. In the outing, Lundgren shutout the Rox over five and a third of an inning while surrendering four hits. Along the way, he walked two hitters and struck out five others.
To view the box score, click HERE.
Following an off-day for the Major League Dreams Showcase at Copeland Park in La Crosse, Wis., the MoonDogs will be in St. Cloud, Minn., Wednesday to wrap up their home-and-home series against the Rox at 7:05 p.m. But first, representing the MoonDogs at the MLDS will be Kai Roberts (Utah), Sean Ross (Indiana State) and Drew Buhr (Bellarmine).
-DOGS-
The Mankato MoonDogs are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 29th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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, 300 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. 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.