Lunkers rally to take down first-place MoonDogs

MANKATO - A two-run rally in the seventh inning gave the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers a lead they would not relinquish as they won a tight 4-3 game against the North Division-leading Mankato MoonDogs Thursday night in Northwoods League action.

Stephen Wickens continued his hot hitting, driving in both the tying and winning runs with a two-out, two-run RBI single in the seventh.

Wickens also saved the lead for the Lunkers in the ninth. He made a diving play at shortstop to save a run and allow Brainerd closer Drew Smith to pick up his seventh save of the season.

Wickens ended the game 2-for-4 with a run, stolen base and two RBIs while catcher Hunter Nolen also finished the game with two hits.

Ryan Hawthorne was the winning pitcher for the Lunkers, coming in for starter Brian Garman to pitch two innings of one-hit relief in addition to striking out four MoonDogs to improve his record to 2-0.

Garman went six innings allowing nine hits and three runs only one of which was earned in his start.

Brainerd hosts a two-game weekend series against the Thunder Bay Border Cats at Mills Field.

Brainerd 011 000 200 - 4 7 2

Mankato 210 000 000 - 3 11 3

Brainerd: Brian Garman, Ryan Hawthorne, Drew Smith and Hunter Nolen, Nate Hammes

Mankato: Ryan Demmin, John Brebbia, Tony Manville and Xorge Carrillo

WP: Hawthorne. LP: Demmin. Sv: Smith.

2B: Brd-David Valesente, M-Danny Miller, Kyle Knudson

SB: Stephen Wickens, Will Piwnica-Worms, M-A.J. Petterson, Taylor Black

SF: Brd-Berge, M-Miller

RBIs: Brd-Wickens 2, T.J. Berge, Michael Kvasnicka; M-Miller 2, Kenny Held

DP: Brd Man

LOB: Brd 4, Man 11

T: 2:42

A: 1412

Records BEFORE THURSDAY: Brd 16-17, 23-10

Next: Brainerd hosts Thunder Bay, Mills Field, 7:05 p.m. Friday.