The MoonDogs and Beetles split their doubleheader this evening with Mankato taking the first game by a score of 3-1 and the Beetles fighting back in the second game with a 3-0 victory.

The MoonDogs took a 2-0 lead into the first game from the night before scoring two runs in the bottom of the third. Nate Hanson and Carlos Ramirez came around to score on an error by the Beetle second baseman. Both teams would add a run in the fourth inning. Tony Strazzara (San Diego) scored after Matt Prokopowicz (Hofstra) reached on an error and Bobby Munoz (St. Leo’s) reached on a single.

Travis Smith (Michigan) earned the victory in his first appearance for the MoonDogs going three innings, allowing one unearned run, and striking out five Alexandria batters. Dale Dickerson (Nicholls St.) came into the game in the top of the 9th for the MoonDogs allowed one hit, but picked up his first save of the season.

The second game of the evening featured two phenomenal pitching performances, but as is the case with all games, there has to be a winner and a loser. Bryan Longpre (Grossmont JC) went seven innings for the home team allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits. He struck out six and walked four. His counterpart, Matt Hill (West Alabama), also went seven innings, but only allowed three hits, and did not issue a run to the NWL leaders in team batting average. Josh Upchurch (Florida Gulf Coast) drove in the eventual game winning run for Alexandria with a single in the top of the 5th inning.

The split puts the MoonDogs at 10-3 on the season and Alexandria at 7-7. The MoonDogs will host the Duluth Huskies Friday night with the first pitch set to be thrown at 7:05 p.m.