(8/6/06) Pat Cassa’s last start ended with a second inning ejection. On Sunday, Cassa stuck around until the final out.

Cassa tossed a five-hit shutout, and the MoonDogs’ three-run first inning was enough to propel the ‘Dogs past the Brainerd Blue Thunder, 3-0. It was the fourth time in seven meetings that the MoonDogs shut out Brainerd, and was Mankato’s 10th shutout of the season, tying them for the league lead. Cassa’s complete game gave the MoonDogs’ pitching staff eight on the year; no other Northwoods League team has more than five.

For Cassa, it was his first complete game in six starts this season, but not the first time he overpowered the Blue Thunder – he also threw seven shutout innings against Brainerd on July 18. On Sunday, he struck out a season-high nine while taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

The MoonDogs gave Cassa all the run support he would need in the first inning. Tim Smith led off the game with his third home run, and with two outs, Adam Kampsen followed Shane Buschini’s double with one of his own to give the ‘Dogs a 2-0 lead. Chris Henault followed with an RBI single to conclude the night’s scoring.

Henault later added a double as part of a 3-for-4 effort, and Buschini went 2-for-5 to lead the way for the MoonDogs.