(Mankato, MN)–The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club is proud to announce the return of Jason Belk of St. Ambrose University (Davenport, IA). Belk was an assistant last year for the MoonDogs under Mike Orchard.

“I am happy to have Jason back,” Mike Orchard said. “I know his attention to detail and his commitment to make pitchers better. He was very professional and the players responded well to him last season.”

Belk is a 2008 graduate of the University of Iowa, and a former pitcher for the MoonDogs during the 2006 season. He had a 1-1 record in 20 appearances with a 2.33 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 38.2 innings pitched in Mankato. Belk is currently finishing up his Masters Degree at St. Ambrose and will graduate in May of 2010.

“I am excited to be back in Mankato for another season. I have been around the town and the people for over two seasons and feel comfortable here,” Belk said. “We had a great pitching staff last year and I am looking forward to another great season in 2010.”

In 2009 with Belk’s help the MoonDogs cracked the Top 10 in three single season pitching categories. The 2.50 ERA marked the best ERA in MoonDog history and was fifth place on the NWL list. The Dogs tied for eighth all-time in strikeouts with 519 and tied for ninth in shutouts with eight. Also, the MoonDogs pitching staff allowed a franchise-low 228 runs and 176 earned runs. The Dogs finished second in the league in strikeouts, but their mark of 519 on the year was also a franchise best.

The MoonDogs open the 2010 season on June 2 against the Honkers. Season tickets are now on sale at the MoonDogs baseball office located at 1221 Caledonia Street. For more information visit the MoonDogs website at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs Office at 507-625-7047.