(Mankato, MN)–The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of two new players for 2007. Sophomore pitcher Jordan Tiegs from Sauk Valley Community College (Dixon, IL) and freshman pitcher Garett Claypool from UCLA have committed to play for the MoonDogs this summer.

Tiegs, a 6’3” 195 lb. sophomore, is in his second season with the defending NJCAA Arrowhead Conference champion and has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend nationally-ranked College of Charleston. A dominating right-handed pitcher, drafted by the Cincinnati Reds (46th round) in the 2006 Major League Draft, has excellent control and anchors the Skyhawk pitching staff.

Last season he posted a modest 2.94 ERA and devastated the competition enroot to five wins, seven complete games, two shutouts, 75 strikeouts, and only 12 walks in 82.2 innings. After an impressive showing in his first year, Tiegs is well on his way to another outstanding season in 2007. This year he has accumulated a record of 2-1 in three complete game starts, a 2.31 ERA, 29 strikeouts, five walks, and opponents have a meager .195 batting average against the second-year standout.

"Signing with a great program such as College of Charleston shows Jordan’s tremendous ability. He is a hard-nosed pitcher who attacks the strike zone and frustrates hitters. In addition to coming from a solid program, he excels from being a control pitcher and throwing three pitches very well. His focus and demeanor on the mound will be a huge asset to the MoonDogs starting rotation this summer,” MoonDogs head coach Jason Nell said.

Claypool, a 6’2” 180 lb. freshman, comes in with an impressive high school resume. At El Camino Real High School located in West Hills, CA, he finished his senior season with a 1.86 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 49.0 innings, while opponents managed just a .170 batting average.

Now in his first season at UCLA, he has established himself as a reliable reliever for the first-place Bruins (18-16, 8-1 Pac 10). His time in the bullpen will allow him to develop and grow into a starting role. This season he has appeared in 14 games, struck out 24 batters, and opponents have a .228 batting average in 34.1 innings pitched. On April 17th, Claypool got the start against No. 11 Pepperdine Waves (28-12) and picked up his first victory of the season in a 6-2 victory for the Bruins. He finished the game with no runs allowed, on three hits, and three strikeouts in five scoreless innings.

"We are extremely excited to continue our great relationship with UCLA and have Garett in Mankato this summer. He is a younger player who has outstanding velocity and control on his pitches. This season, UCLA has used him primarily out of the bullpen where he has performed very well. His role with the MoonDogs will be defined by how his season progresses with the Bruins and what he feels most comfortable with,” Nell said.

The MoonDogs Home Opener is set for June 1, 2007 against the defending Northwoods League champion, 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.