The MoonDogs would look to build off the magic that was in the air from the night before. Derrick Smith would take the mound for the MoonDogs for the first time since being named an All-Star.
Smith would start things out fast striking out two of the first three batters giving the MoonDogs the start they needed. The MoonDogs would not get the batts going in the first putting the ball in Smith’s hands.
The Bucks would get on the board first after stealing their way around the bases. The MoonDogs would not be able to respond, ending the inning down by one.
The MoonDogs and Bucks would trade a few scoreless innings before the Bucks would open the game up with a two run fifth.
RJ Elmore would come in for relief of Smith and give it a solid start to his outing going two scoreless innings with no hits given up. The Bucks would catch the MoonDogs with their pants down and allow three runs to score.
The MoonDogs would attempt to comeback in the eighth inning starting with an Asher Bradd single. Kai Roberts would take a walk to first. Brendan Hord would do the same thing loading the bases. Ari Armas would take his time at the plate and be rewarded with a walk sending Bradd home to end the shutout. Jake Duer would give the MoonDogs hope with a double to wipe clean the three scored earlier in the inning.
The MoonDogs would fall short in the ninth inning falling to the Buck 6-3. The MoonDogs will face off against he Mud Puppies tomorrow at ISG Field with a 6:35 P.M. start.
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’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 24 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 325 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 Rockers as your favorite team.
