Everybody and every team has an Achilles Heel, and for the 2003 MoonDogs it has been extra inning games. Unfortunately last night was no different. After going back and forth with the Rochester Honkers all night, there Dogs fell just short in the 12th and lost 9-8.

Both teams battled, as there were 7 lead-changes in the game, including one each in the 10th, 11th and 12th innings.

In a complete team effort, a number of players stepped up and gave it their all trying to silence a record setting crowd of 2,464 in Rochester. Jay Nessler exploded onto the scene last night going 5-6, with 5 RBI, including a ninth inning home run to put the MoonDogs up 7-6. Landon Danelson contributed with a home run of his own in the 7th and Mike Dudley had a pair of hits in the game with an RBI as well.

In the top of the 12th, the MoonDogs DH, Joe Ness, walked up to the plate. Tied at 8-8, Ness got the pitch he was looking for and drove it deep into left field. What looked to be a sure home run, was robbed by Honkers left-fielder Ron Bethke when he reached over the fence pulling back Ness’ shot.

A bases-loaded single off of Warren Rosebrock in the bottom of the 12th ended the game for the MoonDogs.

Tonight concludes the MoonDogs 2003 season with a home game against the Rochester Honkers.