Strong Bullpen Performance Not Enough
(6/8/05) Coming off a big win in their Home Opener Monday night, the MoonDogs looked to carry their moment with them into their next contest against the La Crosse Loggers (2-4). The Loggers were also coming off a much needed win though and came out swinging against starting pitcher Brandon Thomson and the MoonDogs. The Loggers scored 3 of their 4 runs in the first 3 innings of play leading them to a 4-1 victory.
In the top of the 2nd inning, the Loggers jammed the bases for Jordan Pacheco who singled to score Tyler Howe and put the Loggers up 1-0. The runs didn’t end there as in the third inning, Tyler Howe and Jay Brant hit back to back doubles, scoring 2 runs in the process. Down 3-0 going into the 4th inning, Derek Tarapacki relieved Thomson and retired the first 6 batters he faced.
The MoonDogs threatened in the bottom of the 5th when they put runners on second and third with 1 out but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
The Loggers finally got to Tarapacki in the 6th inning when Austin Reilly hit a bloop single to right to score Howe’s third run of the game and extend their lead to 4-0. The MoonDogs tried clawing back in the 7th when B.J. Wheeler tripled, scoring Robert Rodebaugh. The MoonDogs bullpen, consisting of Tarapacki, Joey Haug and Kevin Regan, gave the team an opportunity to come back by retiring the last 9 batters they faced, but the bats never got going and the game ended in a 4-1 victory for the Loggers.
B.J. Wheeler led all MoonDogs in hitting with 2 hits in 4 at bats including a triple and a RBI. L.J Mims hit a respectable 1-3 with a stolen base and Robert Rodebaugh had a keen eye at the plate walking 2 times and scoring 1 run.
The MoonDogs will travel to La Crosse Thursday night, to play game two of the two game series. The MoonDogs very own broadcaster, the charismatic John Hadden will once again cover all the action from La Crosse. The Next MoonDogs home game is on Sunday, June 12th, at 6:05 against the Brainerd Blue Thunder. For tickets call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.
