Willmar, MN — Eric Schenck-Joblinske hit a big two-run home run for the MoonDogs as part of a 2-for-3 night at the plate, lifting Mankato to a 7-6 victory at Baker Field at Bill Tauton Stadium against the Stingers on Saturday night.

For the first time in what felt like a long time, the Mankato MoonDogs (25-28, 7-10) had no ninth inning drama to close out Saturday Night's game against the Willmar Stingers (33-18, 10-7). Grant Hamilton (3-2, sv 1) took the ball in the ninth and did exactly what the MoonDogs needed: slam the door. Four hitters would come to the plate with Hamilton allowing just one to reach, Sean Beesley would be hit by a pitch as the second batter of the inning. Mankato would hold on and win by a final of 7-6. 

The MoonDogs would take the lead in the 8th, with Kevin Hall slashing an RBI double that drove in Eric Schenck-Joblinske to make it 7-6. Jack Czeszewski and Grant Hamilton would combine to stirke out the side against Willmar in the bottom of the inning with two K's for Czeszewski through two innings of work. 

In the sixth inning, Christoph Bono would continue his good hitting while driving in David Metzgar to give the Dogs a 6-5 lead. Willmar would come up in the bottom of the inning and see Manny Jefferson punch a single that brought Eddie Estrada home to tie the game at six runs each. Eric Schenck Joblinske Homered back in the fourth, a two run shot that gave Mankato a mid-inning 5-3 lead. 

Brett Clark (4-0) started the game for the MoonDogs, but was the third MoonDogs' pitcher in a row to be chased from a game in the second inning after Clark threw 35 pitches in the second inning. That would reach the limit, and Clark would leave the game with it Tied up at 3 runs each. 

The Mankato MoonDogs will be back in Willmar to face the Stingers on Sunday evening and look to sweep Willmar in this series before heading into the All-Star Break. First pitch will be at 6:05 PM and can be heard on The Fan Mankato with the voice of the MoonDogs, Shawn Murnin.