Waterloo Bucks Top Mankato Late
May 29, 2015 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Mankato MoonDogs News Release
WATERLOO, IA- A night after the MoonDog's season opener was spoiled by the Rochester Honkers, Mankato was in prime position to pay it forward to the Bucks in Waterloo. Late game heroics coupled with a key management decision turned the tables in walk-off fashion.
On the bump for Mankato for the first time this season was Connor O'Neill of Cal State Northridge. O'neill surrendered two quick runs in the first inning, the first of which came during a Zach Jarrett triple to score Mikel Hill. The second run came one batter later when designated hitter Mark Hernandez grounded out to MoonDog's second baseman Jack Flansburg.
Down 2-0, Mankato would was no time in striking back. A long two-run home run off the bat of MoonDog's Catcher Kaden Moore tied the game in the top half of the second inning, with Moore finishing the game going 2 for 4 with that home run, a double, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Moore would be the only MoonDog to have multiple hits on the night.
Carson McPherson would be the casualty of that home run, which contributed to his line of 6 hits, 3 earned runs, 5 walks, and just 1 strikeout in 5 innings of work. The MoonDogs would strike again in the fourth with MoonDog's shortstop Sulliam Rios-Reyes driving in Kaden Moore with a single.
The score would stay 4-3 in favor of Mankato up until the bottom of the ninth inning. MoonDog's reliever Kyle Goodbrand would dispense of the leadoff hitter, Buck's catcher Matt Stemper, by inducing a ground ball to second base. He would then walk both Alex Boxwell (CF) and Luke Stratmen (3B), putting runners on first and second with one out.
Waterloo manager Tony Manville would pinch hit for right fielder Joseph Shepard with Adam McGinnis, and it paid off in a big way. McGinnis was able to line a ball to shallow left center field, which allowed the speedy Boxwell to score from second to tie the game. The very next batter, second baseman Taylor Boyd, would end the game in exciting fashion, driving a ball to right center field to bring home Luke Stratman from second base. The frozen rope gave Waterloo a walk-off win to move their record to 2-0.
The MoonDogs drop to 0-2 after the loss, and will return to Riverfront Stadium tomorrow to finish up the series with the Bucks; first pitch is at 7:05 PM. You can listen to the game live on AM1230 & FM 103.1 The Fan Mankato with the voice of the MoonDogs Shawn Murnin.
• Discuss this story on the Northwoods League message board...
Northwoods League Stories from May 29, 2015
- Kalamazoo Growlers Return Home, Fall to 0-4 - Kalamazoo Growlers
- Kingfish Win Third Straight Game - Kenosha Kingfish
- Rafters Romp the Loggers in Series Finale - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Loggers lose to Rafters - La Crosse Loggers
- Early Offense Gives Bucks Fourth Straight Win - Waterloo Bucks
- Honkers Rained out Again - Rochester Honkers
- Mallards-Woodchucks Finale Postponed by Rainout - Madison Mallards
- Friday Night's Game against Thunder Bay Postponed - Willmar Stingers
- Lynch Chevrolet Presents the Human Cannonball - Kenosha Kingfish
- Rafters Offer Mystery Bobblehead Ticket Package for May 31st Game - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Rafters Seek to Earn Split against Loggers - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Rafters Offer Mystery Bobblehead Ticket Package for May 31st Game - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Gruener Starts as Mallards Seek Fourth-Straight Win - Madison Mallards
- Belgian Catcher Makes Instant Impact for Bullfrogs - Green Bay Rockers
- High Octane Offense Seeks to Lead Bullfrogs to Home Stand Split - Green Bay Rockers
- Waterloo Bucks Top Mankato Late - Mankato MoonDogs
- Solid Pitching Downs Kalamazoo Growlers at Battle Creek - Kalamazoo Growlers
- Kingfish Spoil Lakeshores Home Opener In Blowout Fashion - Kenosha Kingfish
- Rox Complete Improbable Comeback with Five in the 9th - St. Cloud Rox
- Powerful Offense Not Enough for Bullfrogs - Green Bay Rockers
- Offensive Outburst Carries Stingers to Win in Home Opener - Willmar Stingers
- Rafters Fall to La Crosse in Loggers Home Opener - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Larson, DeRoche-Duffin power Honkers to win in home opener - Rochester Honkers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Mankato MoonDogs Stories
- All-Star Luncheon Guest Revealed
- Returnees Help Fill in Roster
- They Keep a Coming
- Lions & Tigers & Bears Oh My
- Talent Keeps Coming