(7/8/05) The MoonDogs started the second half of the season with a bang, actually two bangs. Alberto Cruz rocketed two homeruns and Bobby Lewton tossed a one run, four hit complete game to help the ‘Dogs route the Eau Claire Express 8-1.

Cruz, pictured on the right, stepped up in the first inning with a runner on first and the score already 1-0 in favor of the MoonDogs. He then drove a ball to opposite field clearing the rightfield fence to extend the lead to 3-0. In just his third game with the MoonDogs, Cruz jacked his second homerun of the game with a solo shot over the leftfield fence in the third inning. Cruz finished the game going 2-4 with three RBI, two runs scored, a walk and two round trippers.

Aaron Grant also provided a great deal of offense for the ‘Dogs, going 3-5 with two RBI, one run and a stolen base.

Lewton handcuffed the Express in his nine innings of work, striking out six and allowing no earned runs. The MoonDogs pitching staff has now gone 21 straight innings without sacrificing one earned run.

The MoonDogs and Express will be back in action tomorrow night, July 9th, at 7:05 p.m. It’s Budweiser’s Summertime St. Patty’s Day! For tickets call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047 or stop by either Hy-Vee location in Mankato