The Mankato MoonDogs built an early lead and held off a late comeback attempt from the Minot Hot Tots to earn a 7-6 victory on Wednesday night.

Anthony Avalos (Houston Christian University) paced the offense, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs, while Evan Saunders (Oklahoma State University) added a two-run home run. Tanner Kern (University of San Diego) also drove in two runs as the MoonDogs totaled nine hits.

Noah Redmon (Indiana Tech) earned the win after allowing just one run and striking out six over five innings. Wyatt Thornbury (Fresno State University) picked up the save with 1.1 scoreless innings and three strikeouts.

The Mankato MoonDogs will look to defeat the Minot Hot Tots again on Thursday at 9:05 am and 6:35 pm. 

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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).