MoonDogs Fall in Extra Innings
(8/1/05)

The Mankato MoonDogs and Duluth Huskies competed on Monday night in game-one of a pivotal two game series. Both teams hoped to gain a much needed win and make up ground on the Thunder Bay Border Cats. The MoonDogs jumped to an early 3-0 lead but could not retain it as the Huskies fought back, winning the game 4-3 in ten innings over the MoonDogs.

The MoonDogs put one run up in three consecutive innings to lead the Huskies 3-0 after five innings of play. Reid Fronk picked up one RBI in the third inning when he doubled to score L.J. Mims. Shane Buschini increased his league leading 44 RBI when he singled in the fifth to score Brandon Crawford.

With a 3-0 lead, the MoonDogs took Bobby Lewton out of the game after his 6.1 innings of work as he gave up just four hits and no earned runs. But the Huskies made a run as they beat up the MoonDogs bullpen in the seventh and eighth innings putting up three runs to tie the game. Neither team scored in the ninth as MoonDogs closer, Neil Wagner worked his way out of a bases loaded jam in the ninth to send the game into extra innings.

Derek Tarapacki relieved Wagner in the tenth but worked his way into trouble with two men on and just one out. Zane Taylor then singled to score Antone DeJesus and take the 4-3 lead.

The MoonDogs weren’t as lucky in the bottom of the inning. With two outs and a man on second, L.J. Mims grounded out to end the game.

Crawford and Ryan Addison led the MoonDogs in hitting, each going 2-5 with one run scored and a stolen base.

The MoonDogs and Huskies continue their series tomorrow night, 7:05 p.m., at Franklin Rogers Park. Tomorrow is "Back to School Night” which means the first 500 kids will receive a free MoonDogs folder! Also, Chipotle will be presenting pre-game festivities as fans will have a chance to win great prizes. For tickets call the MoonDogs Ticket Office at 507-625-7047 or stop by either Hy-Vee location in Mankato.