Bring Out the Brooms!!!
(6/13/05)

With ominous clouds lurking in the skies, the Mankato MoonDogs looked to finish off some late spring cleaning by sweeping the Brainerd Blue Thunder in their two-game series. Country music sensation, Keith Urban, watched from the Realty Executives Loft as the ‘Dogs put on a show of their own for the star, scoring double digits to defeat Brainerd 14-5.

The MoonDogs bats started right where they left off, scoring 3 runs in the first 4 innings while left handed pitcher Brandon Thomson shut the Blue Thunder down. It wasn’t until the 5th inning that Brainerd’s bats finally picked up, scoring 5 runs and taking the lead 5-3. As the ‘Dogs did last night though, they fought back hard in the bottom of the inning. The ‘Dogs took advantage of crucial pitching mistakes to score 6 runs in the inning to retake the lead 9-5.

To make sure they had the game sealed, the MoonDogs put up 6 more runs in the 7th inning, highlighted by a two run double off the centerfield wall by last nights hero, Shane Buschini. With the lead 14-5, coach Huffstetler left it to his bullpen to finish the game out and finalize the sweep with the victory.

Left fielder Ryan Addison played outstanding, hitting the ball to a tune of 2 for 4 with one run scored and 4 RBI. Reid Fronk also added his two cents playing his second Northwoods League game, hitting an almost perfect 4-5 with two runs scored and one RBI. L.J. Mims rounds off the leading hitters for the ‘Dogs, going 3-5 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.

Using the platoon staff, the MoonDogs pitchers limited Brainerd to scoring in just one inning. Thomson finished the game out with 5 strikeouts in his 4 innings of work. Bobby Lewton picked up his first win in a MoonDogs uniform as he worked 1.1 innings allowing no runs. Bullpen teammates Joey Haug, Kevin Regan, and Neil Wagner combined for 3.2 innings and prevented the Blue Thunder from scoring to close out the game.

The MoonDogs continue their home stand on Tuesday night against the La Crosse Loggers. Game time is 7:05 and be sure to bring anything and everything as we celebrate "Let’s Make a Deal Night”! Join in on all the fun as prizes will be giving out throughout the entire game. For tickets call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.