It was a night of firsts for the Mankato MoonDogs. Poised to stop there early losing streak after several close games, the MoonDogs put together a team effort and came away with there first win of the season 5-1 over the league leading St. Cloud River Bats.

Justin Garcia (University of New Orleans) making his first start of the season threw a gem. He would finish the night picking up the win and throwing 7 innings, giving up just 3 hits, fanning 4 River Bats, and not giving up a single run.

In the 4th inning, the ‘Dogs would send around 3 runners taking the early 3-0 lead. Then the very next inning, another University of New Orleans connection would also make a big impact on the night of firsts for the ‘Dogs. Designated hitter Tony Gonzalez crushed his first home-run and the MoonDogs first of the season, a 2-run homer to left field. The 2-run blast would put the ‘Dogs up 5-0 after 5 innings of play and they would not look back.

The River Bats would tack on a run in the top of the 8th, but Warren Rosebrock (Sacramento State) would come in to shut-down the River Bats rally.

After an off-day Tuesday, the MoonDogs will head on the road to do battle against the Madison Mallards Wednesday and Thursday, then return home to Mankato for a 6 game home-stand beginning with the Thunder Bay Border Cats Friday, June 11. Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m.