Mankato (MN) John Ziznewski had four hits and three RBI to help lead the Waterloo Bucks to a 15-10 win over the Mankato Moondogs on Thursday night in the first game back from the All-Star Break. Marcos Calderon and Kyle Pollock added three RBI each as the Bucks won their fourth straight game and their 41st overall on the season.

The win also extends the Bucks lead in the second half North Division standings to 4 1/2 games as the team looks to sweep both halves.

Waterloo built a 6-1 lead after scoring five runs in the top of the third after there were two outs and no one on. However, Mankato rallied to eventually tie the game 7-7 after six innings.

In the seventh, the Bucks would take the lead back for good. Pat MacKenzie led off with a walk and then Connor McClain’s sacrifice bunt up the first base line was mishandled by the first basemen Zach Zehner to put two runners on. After Chesny Young walked to load the bases, Ziznewski delivered a two run double down the right field line.

On the throw back into the infield to try to get Ziznewski at second base, the ball sailed up the left field line, allowing two more runs, including Ziznewski to score and give the Bucks the 11-7 advantage.

Mankato answered back in the bottom of the inning as John Michael Twitchell crushed a homer to right field and a RBI double by Quinton Mack cut the Bucks lead to 11-9. The Moondogs eventually had the bases loaded with two outs and All-Star Chase Simpson up to bat but J.D. Moore would strike him out swinging on three pitches to preserve the lead.

Waterloo added four more runs in the eighth inning to build a 15-9 lead and would hold on for the 15-10 win.

J.T. Miller earned a no decision throwing the first five innings. Gerrion Grim picked up his second victory out of the bullpen pitching 1.1 inning of relief while Moore and Blake Hickman finished the game.

Waterloo is now 8-1 against Mankato this season.