(6/2/05) With opening day jitters out of their systems, the MoonDogs looked to bounce back throwing Chandler-Gilbert pitcher Brandon Thomson against the Madison Mallard’s Jake Hansen. However, all hopes were diminished when the defending Northwoods League Champions came out red hot in their home stadium, en route to a 6-2 victory.

This time it was the Mallards bats coming out strong in the second inning, as they quickly scored 2 runs to take the early 2-0 lead. The MoonDogs rebounded in the 4th inning when Michael Jenkins, out of Tennessee Wesleyan, doubled scoring Drew Davis to close the gap at 2-1. But the Mallards once again showed why they are the reigning defending champions, putting together back to back two run innings in the 6th and 7th including a solo shot by Ryan Rogowski in the 6th to make the score 6-1.

With one last chance in the ninth, the MoonDogs put together one last rally led by a single from Jenkins. After advancing to second on a catcher’s indifference, Jenkins plated a run when Josh Stirneman singled. But the late inning rally ended there, as the Mallards went on to a 6-2 win.

In 5 innings, Brandon Thomson struck out 3 and allowed 3 earned runs. Kevin Regan put together another strong outing allowing no runs and one hit in his one inning of work.

The MoonDogs were led in hitting by Jenkins who went 2-4 with a double, RBI and one run scored. Robert Rodebaugh also had another solid performance at the dish going 2-4.

The MoonDogs will travel to Wausau, WI to take on the undefeated Wisconsin Woodchucks (2-0) on Friday at 7:05. Mike Miller will take the mound looking to capture the MoonDogs first win. To listen to all the excitement, click the "Listen Live” live link on the MoonDogs Home page where the brilliant John Hadden will voice all the action.