(Mankato, MN) – Down 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth inning in front of the home crowd for just the third time this season, the MoonDogs (5-10) rallied to take down the Battle Creek Bombers (7-8) 3-2 on a squeeze bunt by third baseman Nate Hanson, scoring second baseman Bobby Munoz. The MoonDogs pounded out fifteen hits on their way to the victory Friday night.

In addition to his game-ending bunt, Hanson was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Munoz was 2-for-3, including scoring the crucial game-winning run. Outfielder CJ Belanger and first baseman Mike Lobacz each recorded three hits, with Belanger scoring two of the MoonDogs’ three runs. Shortstop Sean Nicol also had a big game, going 2-for-4, driving in Belanger for both of his runs.

Starter Ron Miller had a solid outing, going five innings for the MoonDogs, giving up just five hits and one run while striking out five. Josh Castanza threw two scoreless innings, and Tom Porter gave up one run in one inning pitched. Will Palmer (2-0) recorded his second win of the year by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

For the Bombers, four players combined for eight of the ten total hits. Shortstop Rafael Lopez, left fielder David Sappelt, and third baseman John Delaney each went 2-for-5 on the evening with Delaney driving in one run and Sappelt scoring once. Catcher Tony Sanchez was also 2-for-4. First baseman Mike Baillergeon scored once for the Bombers, while second baseman Matt Hacker went 1-for-3 and drove in a run.

Bombers starter Daniel Britt gave up twelve hits in 6 2/3 innings pitched, but somehow managed to give up just one run. Relievers Chad Emberton and Eric Lawrence combined to hold the MoonDogs scoreless in their 1 1/3 innings pitched. Closer Drew O’Neil blew the save, giving up two runs on three hits.

The MoonDogs will be host to Battle Creek once again tomorrow night to cap off the series against the Bombers. The game starts at 7:05 pm at Franklin Rogers Park.