
MoonDogs Break Through for First Win of the Season
Published on May 31, 2013 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Mankato MoonDogs News Release
MANKATO, MINN--- After a frustrating start to the 2013 Northwoods League season, the Mankato MoonDogs cruised to a 12-2 victory over the Rochester Honkers on Friday night at Franklin Rogers Park, avoiding a series sweep..
While slow starts and sloppy infield play marred the MoonDogs' first two outings, they wasted no time getting on the board Friday, as Chase Simpson (Wichita St.) cranked a three-run home run before the Honkers could record their first out of the game.
Offensive power was no longer a problem for Mankato, with their 12 hits over eight innings, and their defensive play was just as solid, as the MoonDogs were error-free for the night.
A strong four-run fourth inning gave Mankato some much-needed breathing room right after a Mitch Anderson (RCTC) single brought Rochester within two runs at the top of the frame.
Mankato had strong batting performances throughout its lineup, as six separate MoonDogs notched a hit, and four of them had multiple-hit nights.
Zach Zehner (Santa Barbara City College) continued his torrid play, going two-for-three with a pair of RBIs, improving to seven-for-thirteen on the young season. Hibraim Cordova (U of the Cumberlands) also had a strong game, going three-for-four with three RBIs, highlighted by a solo home run in the fifth.
Leading the MoonDogs' stingy defense was starting pitcher Bryan Bonnell (UNLV) who was rock solid going five and a third innings spreading out eight hits but only one earned run. Cameron Giannini (Southern Mississippi) picks up the save pitching the remaining three and two-third innings, giving up only one hit and striking out six. The thirteen strikeouts recorded by the MoonDogs brings their team total to an impressive 44 for the season, good for first in the Northwoods League.
The MoonDogs now hit the road for a four game road swing through Duluth and Thunder Bay, game one in Duluth will start Saturday at 7:35 p.m. Mankato returns to the Frank on June 5 for another date with Rochester, a game presented by Sport PiX and AM 1230 The Fan Mankato. Fans receive a commemorative Brandon Crawford poster.
Season and single game tickets are on sale at the MoonDogs office located at 1221 Caledonia Street. For more information visit our website at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.
Northwoods League Stories from May 31, 2013
- Bombers Walk-Off in Twelve - Battle Creek Battle Jacks
- St. Cloud Rox Home Opener Ends in 6-3 Victory - St. Cloud Rox
- Stingers Top Standings Despite Loss - Willmar Stingers
- Mallards' 9th Inning Rally Falls Short - Madison Mallards
- Rafters claim first win - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- MoonDogs Break Through for First Win of the Season - Mankato MoonDogs
- Bullfrogs Snag Win in Pitchers' Duel vs. Lakeshore - Green Bay Rockers
- Bouman Throws a Gem as Chinooks Fall in 11, Friday 1-0 - Lakeshore Chinooks
- Rafters Walk-Off in Ninth on Woodchucks, 5-4 - Wausau Woodchucks
- Honkers' Fireworks Show Rescheduled - Rochester Honkers
- Kramp Named NWL Pitcher of the Night - Waterloo Bucks
- Mallards Begin Two-Game Stand Against La Crosse Tonight at 7:05 - Madison Mallards
- Honkers Squeak Out 12-inning Victory - Mankato MoonDogs
- Honkers' Offense Explodes in Season Opener - Rochester Honkers
- St. Cloud Rox Open 2013 Season on the Road - St. Cloud Rox
- Blue Anchors get first win, 7-2 over Duluth - Alexandria Blue Anchors
- Bombers fall to Loggers, 10-8 - Battle Creek Battle Jacks
- Stingers Outlast Rain, Win 4-0 - Willmar Stingers
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