Mankato, MN – The crowd of 1,362 at Franklin Rogers Park was treated to a back and fourth battle of the Dog’s in Thursday nights Northwoods League action as the Huskies were able to top the MoonDogs 11-7.

A seventh inning three run home run by Duluth Huskies (9-6, 29-22) Justin Paulsen would create the separation needed to come out victorious against the Mankato MoonDogs (5-10, 23-28).

A night that featured two All-Star starters it was the offense that came to play, as the two teams would combine for 18 runs on 22 hits.

MoonDogs shortstop All-Star, Paul Panaccione would have a productive night at the plate as he would reach base in all five plate appearances he made. He would finish the night 4-for-4 with three RBI’s and a home run. Panaccione much like the MoonDogs would come up just short in the game, as he was only a triple away from hitting for the cycle.

Mitch Kelly, a Lake Crystal, Minnesota nativie made his MoonDog debut and worked three innings in releif of starter Rickey Ramirez. 

The Huskies offense would be lead by Pulsen who went 3-for-4 with five RBI’s a home run, and three runs scored.

Josh McLaney (3-1) would get the win in relief; the loss would go to Samuel Myers (3-5).

The Huskies would get their first win of the season against the MoonDogs, making the season series 4-1 in favor of the MoonDogs. The series continues tomorrow night where the MoonDogs look to return to their winning ways. First pitch at 7:05pm, gates open at 6:05pm for Minnesota Vikings Night where former Vikings, Cheerleaders and Viktor will all be on hand. 

"The Mankato MoonDogs are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website.”