7WATERLOO, Iowa – For the third straight game, the first inning was a big setback for the Waterloo Bucks.

The visiting Mankato MoonDogs (15-14) jumped out to an early 5-0 lead after jumping on Waterloo Bucks (7-20) starter Dylan Gotto in the first inning. It’s the third time in three games in which the Bucks have allowed five or more runs in the first inning.

In both games for Waterloo in Rochester the series prior, it allowed five runs and six runs in the first inning to the Honkers and the MoonDogs were no exception on the Bucks’ return to Riverfront Stadium.

Waterloo did strike back, however. It scored a run in the first, second, and third innings to cut the deficit to just two runs, but Mankato continued to hold off the home team winning by an eventual final score of 11-5.

One bright spot for the Bucks was Ryan Guardino who launched his fourth home run of the season to left-centerfield 386 feet. Additionally, Harrison Durow, a 2021 Bucks returnee, made his debut in relief to take over for starter Dylan Gotto.

Overall the Bucks used six pitchers, but yet again walked double-digit batters that helped the MoonDogs jump ahead on the scoreboard.

The Bucks rematch the MoonDogs on Tuesday from Riverfront Stadium at 6:35 p.m. You can still purchase tickets to Tuesday’s game at waterloobucks.com or by calling the Bucks ticket line. If you can’t make it out to the ballpark, you can stream the game for free at Watch NWL.