The Waterloo Bucks had a duel tonight against the Mankato MoonDogs, but the Bucks prevailed and move to 3-1 thanks to a 6-5 win. Mankato struck in the top of the first with an RBI single from Danny Borgstrom. The teams then traded blows into the middle innings where the tide turned.

Levi Usher gave the Bucks a 4-3 lead with an RBI double scoring Xane Washington from first. Three pitches later, Oraj Anu hit a two-run homer to left-center field, giving the Bucks a 6-3 lead.

Mankato wouldn’t go away as the notched a run in the seventh and a run in the eighth. Then, in the top of the ninth, the MoonDogs had runners on first and second with two out for Tanner Craig. Bucks closer Zach Button got Craig swinging a 1-2 pitch and sealed the deal for the Bucks and gave them a 6-5 win.

Beau Balado earned the win for Waterloo with two innings out of the bullpen. Keon Taylor took the loss for Mankato with three earned runs in 2.1 innings. Levi Usher lead the way once again with a 3-for-5 night including a homer, two RBI, and a double. Oraj Anu had a multi-hit game with a two-run homer and a walk. Tanner Craig went yard for Mankato and Zach Gilles went 2-for-4 with a hit by pitch.

The Bucks are back in action tomorrow night against the Mankato MoonDogs in Mankato. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05.