Adam Papin/MDN Paxton Miller delivers a pitch for the Hot Tots early in Thursday night’s matchup against the Mankato MoonDogs. Minot donned Star Wars jerseys during the game, which were auctioned off to benefit the Souris Valley United Way.

The Hot Tots came into last night’s game guaranteed to at least split a series for the first time in their history, thanks to an opening night win against the Mankato MoonDogs Wednesday night.

“I think it was big for morale,” said Hot Tots head coach Mitch Gallagher. “It’s tough to be consistently in games and then come out on the short side of it. So finally, to have a statement win, with zero errors and one walk, where you hit the ball very well. Everything just started to click.”

“We reminded the guys that it is in our capability to do that. We just have to able to repeat it.”

Corbett Field was transported to a galaxy far, far away as the Hot Tots celebrated Star Wars Night, wearing special jerseys to mark the occasion. The jerseys were auctioned off during the game, with proceeds benefiting the Souris Valley United Way.

The Minot Hot Tots raised over $6,600 for the United Way last night.

In total, the club raised over $23,500 dollars from the three jersey auctions for charities across Ward County. In addition to the United Way, other groups benefiting from the auctions include On the Water, Inc., Disabled American Veterans, Prairie Grit and the Minot YMCA.

On the field Minot was forced to settle for a split in the series, as they fell to Mankato 8-2.

A bright spot for the Hot Tots was another strong outing on the mound from Paxton Miller, from the University of Mary. He went 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits. He struck out five MoonDogs while only walking one.

Christian Perez hit his team-leading fifth home run of the season for the Hot Tots in the bottom of the second inning to put Minot on the board. Gavin Bennett scored the other run for the Hot Tots.

The Hot Tots hit the road for a two-game set in St. Cloud before heading to LaCrosse. They will be back in town for another Dakota Dust-Up Rivalry matinee against the Bismarck Larks on the Fourth of July. First pitch will be at 4:05 p.m.

While there may not be any more jersey auctions left for the Hot Tots this afternoon, the fun isn’t about to stop at Corbett Field this summer. Sunday, July 9 will be Faith Night, with a special church service prior to the game, led by Northland Harvest and Minot Home Church.

Then, it’s Hunger Games Night on Saturday, July 15, at 6:35 p.m. Minot State University will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 18, when the Hot Tots battle the St. Cloud Rox.