‘Dogs Sniff Out Honkers
(6/18/05)
With the ‘Dogs rolling off a two-game sweep of the Duluth Huskies, they looked to shoot down the Rochester Honkers and gain a win against the South Division. The MoonDogs hoped to continue their offensive dominance in Rochester after averaging 14.5 runs in their past two games. Saturday night saw a much closer game, however, as the MoonDogs held off a late ninth inning rally to win 5-3 over the Rochester Honkers.
The Dog’s offense came alive in the 6th inning, when Aaron Grant and Bobby Verbick doubled. Both Grant and Verbick scored in the 6th to take a 2-0 lead. The Honkers answered in the bottom of the inning though, matching the ‘Dogs two runs to knot the score at 2-2.
After Jon Rupno doubled, followed by an Aaron Grant walk, Bobby Verbick step up to the plate in the 7th innings, stroking another RBI double to plate Rupno. With runners on second and third and the leagues leading RBI man, Shane Buschini, stepping up in the batters box, the ‘Dogs were able to score one more to extend their lead to 5-2.
MoonDogs closer, Neil Wagner, was called upon to close the game out in the ninth inning. After loading the bases and allowing one run, Wagner got Efren Navarro to foul out to catcher Drew Davis for the 5-3 MoonDogs win and Wagner’s first save of the year.
Making his fourth start for the MoonDogs, Brandon Thompson went a quality 5.1 innings while striking out five and surrendering just two runs. Joey Haug picked up his second win in under a week as he tossed 2.2 scoreless innings of ball, with 4 whiffs.
Left fielder, Bobby Verbick, swung a big stick for the ‘Dogs going 2-4 with two RBI doubles and two runs scored. Shane Buschini continued is hot play going 2-4 at the plate, with one RBI and a stolen base.
The MoonDogs will look to extend their three game winning streak Sunday night at "The Frank with a 6:05 p.m. game time against the Honkers. Starting pitcher Mike Miller will make his fourth appearance for the ‘Dogs as he looks to continue his solid pitching. Sunday is Father’s Day, so all dads will get into the game for just $1. For tickets call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.