MoonDogs Lose Heart Breaker
(7/28/05)

Infront of a record crowd of 1,611 fans, the Mankato MoonDogs and the Thunder Bay Border Cats battled it out for the final time this season. MoonDogs All-Star pitcher Tyson Brummett faced off against the league leader in wins, Casey O’Rourke. Both pitchers went deep into the game going 8 innings a piece and allowing just one run each. But it was the Border Cats who came out on top in the ninth inning thanks to an RBI double by Will Pennial that scored the winning run for the 2-1 victory.

The game was scoreless until the seventh inning when MoonDogs centerfielder Ryan Addison singled to lead off the inning. Jon Rupno then doubled to score Rupno and take the 1-0 lead.

Brummett tantalized batters all night long striking out eight Border Cats, but with the bases loaded, two outs and two strikes on the batter in the eighth inning, Brummett surrendered his only run of the game when Nate Price singled to score Pennial.

With a tie score going into the ninth inning, the MoonDogs called upon Kevin Regan to get the job done. The Border Cats though were able to manufacture a run when Pennial doubled with a runner on second to take the 2-1 lead. The MoonDogs led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a Robert Rodebaugh single but were unable to tie the game when Williams retired the next three batters in a row earning his 14th save on the season and a Border Cats win.

Shane Buschini led the MoonDogs in hitting with a 2-4 night at the plate including a double with one stolen base.

The MoonDogs continue their six game home stand on Friday, July 29th, at 7:05 p.m. The Waterloo Bucks come to town for the MoonDogs last series this season against the South Division. Friday night is "Twin Valley Council Boy Scout Night”! All scouts are invited to camp in the outfield with the MoonDogs following the game. For tickets call the MoonDogs Ticket Office at 507-625-7047 or stop by either Hy-Vee location in Mankato.