MoonDogs Light Up Blue Thunder
(8/4/05)

The MoonDogs began game one on Wednesday and quickly found themselves behind 2-1 after one inning when the ominous clouds covered the field to suspend the game. As the game was continued yesterday, the Blue Thunder wasted no time scoring another run in the third inning to take a 3-1 lead. The Blue Thunder kept the MoonDogs at bay until the ‘Dogs put up 2 runs to tie the game in the seventh and then three runs in the eighth for a 6-3 lead.

MoonDogs pitcher Pat Cassa dominated the Blue Thunder as he allowed just four hits over 7.1 innings and sent nine batters packing courtesy of the whiff. Cassa allowed just his second earned run of the game in the bottom of the ninth inning and the ‘Dogs wasted no time calling in the closer Neil Wagner. Wagner finished the game for the MoonDogs, earning his 11th save of the season in a 6-4 victory.

Shortstop Brandon Crawford led the MoonDogs offensive attack going 2-3 including a double with two runs scored, two RBI, one walk, and a stolen base. Travis Howell was next to perfect hitting 3-4 and driving in one RBI.

Rolling off their momentum from game-one, the MoonDogs busted out to a 5-2 lead after four innings of play. The Blue Thunder bounced back in the bottom of the fifth though, plating three runs to knot the game at 5. The Blue Thunder handed the game over the MoonDogs in the sixth though as the ‘Dogs scored two runs thanks to sloppy play of Brainerd. The MoonDogs then called upon pitcher Kevin Regan to make his 34th appearance and shut the door on the Blue Thunder as he pitched two scoreless innings to earn his second save of the season and a 7-5 win for the MoonDogs in a short seven inning game.

MoonDogs pitcher Brad Depoy won his second contest of the year as he went five innings allowing just two earned runs while striking out four.

With a 3-4 night at the plate coupled with two runs scored and one RBI, second baseman Jon Rupno led the MoonDogs charge. All-Star Reid Fronk also contributed to the victory going 2-4 including a double with two runs scored and one RBI.

The MoonDogs return home tonight to take on the North Division first half champion, St. Cloud River Bats at 7:05 p.m. Tonight is "Bat Night” as the first 400 kids in attendance 14 and under will receive a free full-size MoonDogs baseball bat courtesy of 93 KXLP and The Home Depot. For tickets call the MoonDogs Ticket Office at 507-625-7047 or stop by either Hy-Vee location in Mankato.