Double The Pleasure
(7/26/05)
About four hours after the MoonDogs made history and won their first game ever at Dick Putz Field in St. Cloud, the ‘Dogs got back at it for game-two of the double header against the River Bats. Thanks to a two run blast from All-Star right fielder Shane Buschini in the eighth inning, the MoonDogs prevailed with a 7-5 victory, winning both games to sweep the double header.
Using their momentum from game-one, the MoonDogs jumped out early, scoring five runs in the first two innings. But the River Bats kept the game close as Buschini’s nemesis for the homerun title, Tommy Giles, hit a two run round tripper in the bottom of the second to close the gap to 5-2. The River Bats went on to score two more runs in the third inning to pull with-in one run of the MoonDogs.
The game stayed a one-run contest until Buschini stepped up with one runner on in the top of the eighth inning. Buschini then took a ball deep and not playable as he hit his 8th homerun of the season, tied with Giles for league lead.
With a comfortable 7-4 advantage going into the bottom of the eighth inning, Kevin Regan relieved MoonDogs starter Cameron Young to make his second appearance on the day. Regan struck out 2 batters but allowed one unearned run on one hit as the River Bats battled back to a 7-5 ballgame. Closer Neil Wagner shut the door in the ninth though as he picked up his 10th save of the season and a sweep of the 1st half division champions.
Buschini finished the game going 1-2 including a homerun with two RBI, one run, and two walks. All-Star Reid Fronk plated two runs in a 2-5 performance at the plate including a triple and one RBI.
Cameron Young earned his second win on the season as he tossed seven innings allowing four earned runs and no walks. Regan’s 29th appearance leads all pitchers in the NWL.
The MoonDogs will finally return home tomorrow night after a grueling eight game road trip. Coming to town will be the first place Thunder Bay Border Cats as the MoonDogs look to cut into the Border Cats three game lead over the ‘Dogs in the North Division. Tomorrow night is "Library Night” and "Twins Night”! The Twins mascot TC Bear, the Twins organist and Wally "The Beerman” will all be in attendance along with the headliner for the night, former Minnesota Twins World Series Champion Tim Laudner! For tickets call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047 or stop by either Hy-Vee location in Mankato.
