It’s hard to explain how a 4-0 win can be a heartbreaker but for fans in Mankato tonight that was the case.
The MoonDogs were one out away from a perfect game here at ISG Field tonight, a feat that has never been accomplished in NWL history.
Mankato’s Jake Swartz (Illinois) got the start on the mound throwing six innings of PERFECT baseball, striking out 6.
Mankato scored 3 runs in the third inning on a 2 run single from Gabe Miranda (TCU). Mankato was never threatened throughout the entirety of the game.
The MoonDogs would score again in the 5th making this game even more all about them.
Rtlen Bayne (Hawaii) would enter the game in the 7th inning finishing out this game but surrendering Bismarck’s lone hit in the 9th.
Tonight’s crowd in Mankato was electric and definitely aware as to what was at stake throughout this game making it a great atmosphere.
The MonDogs will play again tomorrow night here at ISG Field against St. Cloud looking to keep the wins rolling.
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 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 350 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 two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play