MANKATO — The Mankato MoonDogs ambushed Willmar for a pair of five run innings and right-hander Nicholas Robb scattered three hits over 6 2/3 innings Tuesday night to key a 10-0 Northwoods League victory in front of 891 fans at ISG Field.
Willmar pitchers had trouble finding the strike zone in the early stages as five first-inning base on balls along with a dropped fly ball triggered a five-run burst. Third baseman Cole Clark smacked a three-run double into the left-center field gap after a bases loaded walk to DH Jacob Neutz plated the first run. Catcher Max Senesac RBI ground-out plated the final run of the frame.
“The guys have done a good job of sticking to their approach early on,” Mankato manager Danny Kneeland said. “We’ve been finding ways to score early and that takes a lot of pressure off the pitching staff. You’ll never complain about back-to-back shutouts to start the year so hopefully we can keep that streak going a little bit. Nicholas was fantastic for us. I was really excited to get him because he’s got really good stuff.
“The vibes in the clubhouse have been good and they’ve been very easy to work with so far.”
Robb used a couple of pick-offs to face the minimum nine batters through three innings before a double play ball an inning later erased the Stingers (0-2) first hit. Robb ended up throwing 90 pitches, striking out six and walking two. John Iacono, a right-hander from Biola University, went the final 2 1/3 innings, allowing one hit while striking out four and walking two.
“Mas really settled me down after a little bit of a rocky first two innings and got me going,” Robb said. “I give him credit for getting me going after a little bit of adversity at the start. Those two big innings really allowed me to attack the hitters and my defense was really behind me. It’s nice to know what runs aren’t an issue with this team.
“Out shortstop (Carson Schmidt) made a ton of crazy plays on infield choppers and then that double play in the fourth to save me. I was able to throw five pitches and it seemed like I had a lot going for me tonight. This is a cool thing to be a part of out here and I am loving it.”
Mankato (2-0) expanded its lead to 10-0 in the bottom of the second behind four hits, two walks and a hit batter. Right fielder Peyton Dickens and center fielder Noah Libed each ripped a two-run single in the surge. Left fielder Jack Mislan scored a run in each of the first two frames and finished 2-for-2 with a trio of walks and a double.
“This is a good group of guys getting to know each other a little bit,” Mislan said. “Our arms have been solid so far and our offense did enough today. I haven’t had an at bat in about a month so I just wanted to see some pitches. Our arms look legit so this should be a fun year.”
Mankato out hit the Stingers eight to four and left more runners nine to five.
The ‘Dogs open up a two-game series in Bismarck Wednesday.