By Owen Patterson
MINOT, ND – The Minot Hot Tots came to town following a Larks sweep, took home another ‘W’ and called it their first win streak. Another night of fun at Corbett Field resulted in a 4-2 win for the Hot Tots over the Mankato MoonDogs, their fifth of the season and third in-a-row.
It all got started with a strong outing from Devin Marton. In his first start of the season, Marton tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits. The big number was five strikeouts, a season high.
The first inning was not only highlighted by pitching for Minot, but an early offensive strike. With the bases loaded and one out, Lucas Pringle was hit by the first pitch he saw. The MoonDogs would turn a quick double-play to end the inning right there.
As Devin Marton kept dealing, Mankato’s starter Alex Thomas settled in allowing one additional run in the fourth inning while striking out five. After four innings, Thomas was relieved by Peter Michael. Michael walked the first batter he faced, and then gave up a monster home run to Wyatt Reginato. Reginato’s first home run of the season pushed Minot’s lead to 4-0.
The following inning, Mankato finally pushed across their first runs of the game, a two-RBI single by Casey Sorg. With two runners still on base in the inning, the Hot Tots turned to Ray Keane, to get out of the jam. Keane would strand the inherited runners without allowing any further damage.
The Hot Tots bats were quieted by Mankato’s relief pitcher, Michael, who struck out eight Hot Tots batters in four innings. Minot would not need any further run support, as both Keane and Evan Dempsey pitched shutouts in the seventh, eighth and ninth inning. Dempsey picked up the save, the Hot Tots first of the season, securing the 4-2 victory.
Tonight’s First Command Play of the Game was made by newcomer Keanu Jacobs-Guishard, who showcased his range at shortstop on back-to-back plays in the second inning. Minot looks to continue their winning ways in game two of the series against Mankato tomorrow night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm from Corbett Field.
