The Mankato Moondogs took the advantage in the first round of Northwoods League baseball playoff action Monday.
Playing on their home field, the Moondogs defeated Alexandria 10-4 in the first game of the North Division best-of-three series.
Battle Creek won on the road, 10-3 over Green Bay in the South Division opener.
Three Mankato pitchers struck out 14 Beetles and combined for a five-hitter. S. Cooper was 3-for-4 with two RBIs, including a home run.
Battle Creek scored at least one run in seven of the nine innings in thumping the Bullfrogs. J. Martinez was 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a homer for the Bombers.
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Battle Creek is home tonight for Game 2 of its series. Mankato switches to Alexandria for its game tonight. Those will be the sites Wednesday if Game 3 is necessary in either series.
The championship series is slated to start Thursday.
Alexandria was an easy winner of the second-half North Division title and had the best overall record for the season. Mankato reached the playoffs by virtue of winning the first half title.
Battle Creek won both halves, tying with Eau Claire and Green Bay in the first half. Green Bay advanced by having the best overall season record aside from Battle Creek.
