Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks (15–20) started the second half of the 2023 season on a high note with their Independence Day matchup against the Mankato MoonDogs (19–15), winning 7–6 in a game where they never trailed once.

The Bucks wasted no time going up in the first inning, scoring four runs while getting every batter in their starting nine up to the plate in the frame. The MoonDogs came back in the top of the second with three runs, but that’s as close as they would get all night to the Bucks, who remained ahead by at least one run for all nine innings.

This is now the second game in a row where the Bucks have relied on their pitching and defense down the stretch to seal a win. The MoonDogs had a tying-run on first in the top of the ninth, but the Bucks turned their second double play of the night and their league-leading 102nd of the season to clear the bases.

Elliot Good and Marcus Heusohn led the way for the Bucks on offense, both recording two RBIs each.

The Bucks will be aiming for the series sweep on Wednesday as they play the MoonDogs once again. First pitch for the game is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.