Fantastic Four!
(7/11/05)

The Rochester Honkers battled the MoonDogs into eleven innings, until Aaron Grant drove in the game winning run with a line drive single to centerfield. Thanks to the 2-1 victory and a four game winning streak, the MoonDogs are now a perfect 4-0 during the second half of the season putting them atop the North Division.

Joey Haug dealt an incredible eight innings giving up only three total hits including just one hit through seven innings of play. Haug also struck out seven batters and surrendered just one earned run, which came in the eighth inning when the Honkers took a 1-0 lead.

The MoonDogs once again found themselves down, 1-0, going into the bottom of the ninth inning. But just as they have all year, they put together a ninth inning rally when Matt Mossey singled through the left side of the infield scoring Drew Davis from third tying the game at 1-1.

The MoonDogs had a chance to win, in the bottom of the tenth inning, when they had a runner on third with two outs. The ‘Dogs were unable to convert though as the game was pushed into an eleventh inning. The same opportunity came, however, in the bottom of the eleventh when Ryan Addison reached first and was pushed over to third thanks to a sacrifice bunt from Jon Rupno and a ground out from Matt Mossey. With the stage set and two outs, Aaron Grant stepped up and belted a line drive to centerfield scoring Addison to win the game 2-1.

Grant finished the game with two hits in six at bats and one RBI. Brandon Crawford led the MoonDogs in hitting, going 2-3 at the dish with a stolen base. Reid Fronk extended his on base streak to 27 games thanks to a single in the tenth inning.

The MoonDogs pitching staff continued to dominate their opponents as Matt Lawhorn worked 2 innings in relief of starter Haug, allowing just one hit and no runs. Kevin Regan also threw one inning, picking up his third win of the season.

The MoonDogs will take the next three days off for the 2005 All-Star break. The ‘Dogs will be back in action against Duluth as they look to improve their record to a perfect 5-0 on Friday, July 15th at 7:05 p.m. John Hadden will broadcast all the game action as he does every night. To listen click the "Listen Live” link at www.mankatomoondogs.com. For tickets to any upcoming home games, call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047 or stop by either Hy-Vee location in Mankato.