File photo. Hot Tots pitcher Reagan Smith throws the ball home from the mound at Corbett Field during a home game against the St. Cloud Rox on Friday, June 5. Nathan Beitler

The Minot Hot Tots hosted in-state rival Bismarck larks on Monday, June 15, for the first Dakota Dust Up of the new season.

Minot took home the victory in the first of the teams’ two game series with a 5-4 walk off in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The Larks got the ball rolling early in the top of the first inning with a pair of RBIs. The Hot Tots responded in the bottom of the inning with a run of their own.

The Hot Tots took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the third inning when Tyler Arnold rocketed a two-run home run over the left field fence, bringing the game to 3-2.

The Larks finally tied the game in the top of the seventh inning at 4-4.

Minot was able to keep the Larks at bay through the rest of the game. The Hot Tots were able prevent a Larks comeback in extra innings by closing the game out in the bottom of the ninth.

A wild pitch from the Larks’ pitcher gave Nathan Belle the opportunity to run home, ending the game with a 5-4 victory for the Hot Tots.

The Hot Tots and the Larks were neighboring teams on the Northwest League Great Plains East Division standings heading into Monday night’s game.

After their Monday night game, the Hot Tots were able to maintain their third place ranking the division and improved to a record of 10 wins 11 losses on the season.

The Hot Tots and the Larks will play their second game of the short series on Tuesday, June 15.