Mankato, MN)—The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of sophomore infielder Barrett Rice, of El Paso Community College.

Rice, a 6’2”, 195 lbs sophomore from Sugar Land, TX., came out of Houston Christian High School, and spent his first year at Richland College as a red-shirt freshman in 2002.

He then transferred to EPCC in 2003 where he set single season records for hits(88) and multi-hit games(29). He also set a record with a 24-game hitting streak, batting .456 with 42 hits, 35 runs, 12 doubles and 25 RBI during the streak.

"Barrett’s a great corner guy who can really hit. He’s got the size and speed and ability to play at this level and even higher. I have no doubt he’s gonna do great things in Mankato,” MoonDogs head coach Brad Rupert said.

This year Rice is on the attack again helping the Tejanos to a 23-15 record thus far. Playing in 37 of 39 games, Rice is proving to be a triple threat at the plate, hitting for average (.369), power 2B(12), 3B(1), HR(2), RBI(30) and showing a keen eye with 21 BB, tying him for 2nd on the team. Once on base, Rice is just as dangerous as he has swiped 17 bases, leading the team in that category.

The Tejanos, winners of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference in 2001 and 2003, were also Region V Champions in 2002. With six games remaining in the regular season, EPCC is right in the hunt to continue their reign as WJCAC champs in 2004.

The MoonDogs open the 2004 season on June 2nd against the Alexandria Beetles, game time is 7:05 at Franklin Rogers Park "The Frank”. Season tickets are on sale now at the MoonDogs Office. Call 625-7047 today or check out www.mankatomoondogs.com for all you MoonDogs needs.

GO MOONDOGS!!