MANKATO, MINN. – The MoonDogs faced the Bismarck Larks for the second straight night at ISG Field. It would end in a tough 9th inning loss, with a final score of 2-4.
In the first inning, the Larks were unable to score, but Mankato soared to a 1-0 lead when Drew McConnell (University of Evansville) scored. This came off a sacrifice fly by Justin Rompre (Iowa Western Community College).
It was scoreless innings for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th innings.
Both teams scored one run in the fifth inning. Anthony Avalos (Houston Christian University) hit a triple to allow a run to score. The MoonDogs would still lead with a 2-1 score.
Another scoreless few innings followed; in the 6th, 7th, and 8th, no runs were added.
In the 9th inning, the Larks capitalized on a 3-run home run by Dylan Larkins, putting them up 4-2.
The MoonDogs loaded the bases when Max Senesac (Golden West) hit a double, and Tanner Kern (University of San Diego) drew a walk.
It wouldn’t be enough for Mankato, as the final score would remain 2-4.
Krish Gandhi started on the mound of the MoonDogs. He would end the night with 7 innings pitched, 9 strikeouts, and a final ERA of 1.89. This would earn him Center Point Energy’s High Energy Player of the Night.
The MoonDogs travel to the Badlands tomorrow to take on the Big Sticks. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm Mountain Time.
###
The Northwoods League is the proven leader in developing elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history 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 410 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 (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford 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, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (NYM).