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Published On: June 7th, 2005

Hot "Bats" Spell Doom For MoonDogs

(6/5/05) One day before arriving home to open up the "Frank” in their Home Opener, the MoonDogs played their final game of what has been a treacherous road trip. The ‘Dogs traveled to St. Cloud Sunday, to take on their red hot rivals, the River Bats, who were coming off a series sweep of the Rochester Honkers. The River Bats never cooled off, continuing their hot streak in a 6-2 win over the ‘Dogs.

The Dog’s threatened early in the first inning, loading the bases with two outs. With ducks on the pond, B.J. Wheeler was unable to take advantage of the opportunity, swinging at strike three to end the inning.

The River Bats, on the other hand, wasted no time putting runs up, scoring 5 runs in the first two innings and giving MoonDog’s pitcher, Tyler Sanders, the hook in just 1.1 innings of his debut performance.

In the top of three, Wheeler got his redemption. On a 0-2 count, he doubled over the right fielder’s head to score Josh Stirneman and make the score 5-1. The River Bats countered though, when Mike Lomberg blasted a 373 foot shot over the right field fence to add to his career night and increase his team’s lead 6-1. Lomberg finished the game going 4-4 and falling a triple shy of the cycle. The MoonDog’s would only go on to score one more run off of a throwing error by River Bats second baseman Bryan Cartie, ending the game at 6-2.

Jon Rupno of Valparaiso continued his hot play, recording another hit to extend his hitting streak to five games. Rupno joins teammate Robert Rodebaugh, among the league leaders in batting.

In his 5.2 innings of relief, Kevin Regan, of Elon University, gave up just one earned one and whiffed 4 batters. Neil Wagner made an appearance in the bottom of the 8th striking out 2 and allowing no hits or runs.

The MoonDog’s will finally return home on Monday night, June 6th, to open up Franklin Rogers Park at 7:05 p.m. MoonDogs ace, Tyson Brummett will counter the River Bats lineup to help the MoonDogs earn their first win of the season. The park gates open at 6:05 and tickets are still available. To order your tickets call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.