MANKATO, MINN. — The Mankato MoonDogs continued their dominant start to the 2026 season Tuesday night, May 26th, shutting out the Willmar Stingers for the second straight game in a 10-0 victory at ISG Field.
The MoonDogs wasted no time offensively, gaining five runs in the first inning and another five runs in the second to take control early. Mankato kept a good eye at the plate, drawing nine walks and also delivering pressure against the Stingers’ defense.
Nicholas Robb (Grand Canyon University) earned the win in his MoonDogs debut, throwing 6.2 scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out six. John Iacono (Biola University) closed out the game with 2.1 scoreless innings and four strikeouts to complete the combined four-hit shutout.
Jack Mislan (Lafayette College) led with a perfect 2-for-2 performance at the plate, scoring twice and collecting two doubles. Cole Clark (UC Irvine) had a two-RBI double, while Peyton Dickens (University of Houston), Lucas Bruhl (North Iowa Area CC), and Noah Libed (Grossmont CC) each recorded two RBIs.
Through the first two games of the season, the MoonDogs have outscored the Stingers 26-0.
Mankato’s pitching staff has started the season with 18 consecutive scoreless innings while limiting Willmar to just eight total hits across the two-game series.
The MoonDogs are headed to Bismarck, ND, looking to defeat the Larks on May 27th.
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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).
