Mankato, MN)-The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the return of two more players from the 2006 team. Junior pitcher/infielder Matt Mossey from North Dakota State University and sophomore infielder James Keithley from the University of Texas-San Antonio, have both signed to play another season with the MoonDogs.

Mossey, a 5’10” 180 lb. junior, has proved to be a very durable and reliable starter at shortstop and pitcher for the Bison. Now in his third year at NDSU, he has started in all but one game (102 of 103 games).

This summer will mark Mossey’s third season with the MoonDogs. Last year, he saw time as a spot-starter in the field, but excelled on the mound. After dominating the opposition as a reliever, he was moved to the starting rotation in early July. That move paid off big dividends in his first three starts as he compiled a 3-0 record. In those three starts, he tallied 19 innings, allowed two earned runs (0.95 ERA), walked six, and struck out 11.

"We are very fortunate to have Mossey back for a third season in Mankato. His experience has allowed him to develop great arm strength and become a stronger overall player that you don’t see in this league. This summer, he will see some playing time in the field, but most of it will be as a pitcher. The goal is to have him in the starting rotation and continue the great season he is having at North Dakota State University,” MoonDogs head coach Jason Nell said.

Through the first seven games with the Bison this season, he is leading the charge by holding the team lead in several offensive categories. On the hill, Mossey’s last outing against the Kansas State Wildcats (3/11/07) he pitched 7 1/3 innings in a no-decision. In the 6-3 Bison loss, he allowed nine hits, two earned runs, walked two, and struck out eight.

Keithley, a 6’1” 185 lb. sophomore, has provided the Roadrunners with a lively bat through their first 16 games this season. His .303 batting average and 10 RBI ranks him third on the team respectively, while his 20 hits are second on the team. In his last six games, he has posted a .444 batting average, home run, double, triple, four RBI, six runs, and two free passes.

With one season under his belt in the Northwoods League, the MoonDogs look for Keithley to build off of that and be a key contributor to the 2007 squad. "Being a second-year guy will help James in his overall game. He is a very versatile player and an outstanding athlete who can play three infield positions (3B, SS, 2B) and two outfield positions (LF, RF). Offensively, he will be a guy that will put the ball in play and will bat either at the top or bottom of the line-up,” Nell said.

The MoonDogs Home Opener is set for June 1, 2007 against the defending Northwoods League champions, Rochester Honkers. Mankato will also be the host of the 13th annual Northwoods League All-Star Game on July 11, 2007. To be part of all the MoonDogs action this summer, season tickets are on sale now as well as group and hospitality tickets. For more information go to www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs Ticket Office at 507-625-7047.