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Published On: June 5th, 2007

(Mankato, MN) – At a time when college baseball begins to steal headlines in the sports world, future MoonDog Alan Oaks, an outfielder for the University of Michigan, is taking center stage. The Wolverine hit a pinch-hit solo homerun against Co-NCAA Player of the Year, David Price of Vanderbilt, in the top of the 10th inning to send the Wolverines to the Super Regional for the first time since 1989. Michigan will play either Virginia or defending champion Oregon State this weekend, starting Friday, June 8.

The extra-inning homerun lifted Michigan to an improbable second victory against the nation’s number one overall seed. Making an equally impressive impact in the regional was fellow future MoonDog Jason Christian, an infielder who was named second team All-Big Ten this season. The leadoff hitter led the team in runs (60), doubles (21), and extra base hits (30). During the Regional, Christian went 6-for-14, scoring four runs and driving in four more.

Several other MoonDog players were competing in the Regionals this weekend as well. UCLA infielder Cody Decker went 4-for-12, scoring three times, hitting one homerun, and driving in five runs in just three games. The Bruin was named to the All-Long Beach Regional Team as a designated hitter. UCLA advanced through their region easily and will now face Cal St.-Fullerton Saturday, June 9th in the Super Regional.

MoonDog outfielder Tim Smith had a solid weekend in helping Arizona State advance to the Super Regional against Ole Miss this weekend, starting June 9th. Smith was 4-for-12 with one RBI and one run.

San Diego infielder Sean Nicol and Minnesota infielder Nate Hanson were unable to reach the Super Regionals, but the pair of soon-to-be MoonDogs did contribute for their squads this weekend. Nicol went 2-for-8 with 2 RBI in two games. Hanson had a solid performance in the Gophers’ elimination game going 2-for-5 and scoring a run, but it wasn’t enough as Minnesota could not reach the Super Regional. Hanson will be back in MoonDogs gear this week, while teammate Jeff DeSmidt will return tonight against Duluth. Nicol is expected to join the team early next week.

The MoonDogs return home on Wednesday, June 6th when they host the Waterloo Bucks at 7:05 PM at Franklin Rogers Park. It’s Magnet Schedule Night presented by TCF Bank. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free 2007 MoonDogs magnet schedule. For more information go to www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs Ticket Office at 507-625-7047.