(6/28/06) Shane Buschini went 3-for-4 and smacked his first home run of the season and Steve Salas pitched eight shutout innings as the Mankato MoonDogs completed a sweep of the Wisconsin Woodchucks with a 3-0 win Wednesday night.

Buschini collected three of the MoonDogs’ four hits on the night, including his home run to lead off the second inning against Wisconsin starter Weston Wood (1-4). That would be all the scoring the MoonDogs needed as Mankato posted back-to-back shutouts in Wausau.

The MoonDogs added a run in the fourth on Sean Halton’s sacrifice fly to score Tim Smith, and another run in the seventh when Chris Henault drew a bases loaded walk.

Steve Salas earned a win in his second straight start by going eight innings, giving up six hits and striking out five while walking three. Salas (2-3) lowered his ERA to 1.14, tied with teammate Matt Mossey for ninth in the Northwoods League.

Jason Novak continued his impressive audition for the MoonDogs’ closer role, striking out two to pick up his second save in as many nights. Novak has now appeared in three straight games, going 4.2 innings and striking out eight with no walks and just two hits allowed.