Lunkers get away from MoonDogss
June 11, 2011 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Mankato MoonDogs News Release
Mankato, Minn. - The Mankato MoonDogs dropped their first home game of the season with a 6-4 loss to the Brainerd Lakes Lunkers on Saturday night.
The Lunkers were the first to strike, putting up two runs in the top of the second inning when Tyler Wampler delivered a two-out, two RBI single scoring Ryan Abrahamson and Hunter Adrian.
Lunkers pitcher Joe Willman (Northern Colorado) kept the MoonDogs on their heels when was in the game. Willman hurled five complete innings, spreading out five hits and only giving up one MoonDog run in the bottom of the fifth as well as striking out six batters. On the season Willman has only given up two runs all season, pitching 13 innings in three games.
The MoonDogs got on the board in the bottom of the fifth thanks to a Shaun Cooper (Utah) triple that score James Roberts (USC) from first base.
Tyler Sparger (Indian Hills CC) relieved Willman in the sixth inning and the MoonDogs took full advantage of the pitching change, scoring two runs in the inning to tie the score at 3-3 heading into the top of the seventh inning. However, Brainerd Lakes responded just like any team who is battling for first place would, with three runs in the top half of the seventh inning that put the MoonDogs into a tough spot with the game coming to a close.
The Lunkers pitching staff did a good job in their relief, not allowing the MoonDogs to score and headed into the bottom of the ninth with a comfortable three run lead. The MoonDogs didn't give up and battled back as the roped together two singles by Blair Moore (San Diego St.) and James Roberts. With two runners on and the tying run at the plate, Cody Ferrell (Seminole St.) laced a double down the third base line scoring Moore and Roberts to bring the game within one run, with one out, and the game tying run on second. The MoonDogs didn't have enough gas in the tank to complete the comeback when Nick Judkins (Creighton) struck out and Zak Wasserman (Louisville) grounded out to the shortstop to end the game.
The MoonDogs battle the Brainerd Lakes Lunkers again tomorrow night Sunday, June 12th, in game two of the three game series. This series is an important one for both teams as they find themselves fighting for first place in the Northwoods League North Division.
Tomorrow night is also Minute to Win It Night. Fans will have an opportunity to win various prizes by competing in various contests throughout the game.
Northwoods League Stories from June 11, 2011
- Bombers outlast Mallards in back-and-forth battle - Madison Mallards
- Stingers Win 2 -1 - Willmar Stingers
- 'Frogs Drop Another Close One on the Road - Green Bay Rockers
- Lunkers get away from MoonDogss - Mankato MoonDogs
- 'Chucks lumber breaks through, top Loggers 6-4 - Wausau Woodchucks
- Stingers Edge Honkers 2-1 - Rochester Honkers
- Lunkers move into first place with 6-4 win over Mankato - Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers
- Early First-Place Battle as Mallards Face Bombers in Michigan - Madison Mallards
- Koch's Grand Slam Aids Honkers in Sweep - Rochester Honkers
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