Mankato Dominates Bucks

The Waterloo Bucks dropped their third-straight game, falling to Mankato, 6-1, at Riverfront Stadium Saturday night (July 23, 2016).

The loss was the eighth in the last 10 games for the Bucks, who remain in fourth-place overall in the North Division standings and would be in the Northwoods League playoffs if the post-season began immediately.

Mankato starting pitcher Reece Eddins (4-2) kept the Bucks' offense silent most of the game. He took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and allowed just two Waterloo base runners to reach third base in seven innings of work. He earned the victory, yielding just two hits and four walks.
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After come-from-behind victories in the first two game of the series, the MoonDogs scored first on Saturday. Jordan Washam's solo home run to start the second inning put Mankato ahead 1-0.

The MoonDogs (10-5, 32-18) doubled their lead when Chase Hamilton hit a two-out home run in the fifth. Mankato then built its advantage to 5-0 with a three-run eighth inning, before adding another run in the ninth.

Waterloo (6-9, 28-22) ended a 14-inning scoreless drought in the bottom of the ninth inning. Zach Weatherford started the frame with an infield single, then took two bases on a wild pitch. Adam McGinnis drove-in the Bucks' only run of the night with a single to right field.

Despite allowing a season-high 11 hits, Steven Baker (1-4) recorded his second longest start of the year at 5.2 innings. Baker yielded at least one hit in every inning but only gave up two runs while striking out three and walking three in the loss.

Mankato ended the game with 16 hits and left 17 runners on base. By comparison, the Bucks connected for only five hits and left six runners stranded.

UP NEXT: The Bucks and MoonDogs conclude their four-game series on Sunday afternoon (July 24) in Waterloo. First pitch is scheduled at 3:35 p.m. at Riverfront Stadium.

Story Contributor: Jared Schlensky - Waterloo Bucks​