(Waterloo, IA) – It’s been a tough start for the MoonDog (3-5) offense this season, but the bats exploded on Thursday night for 11 runs on 18 hits, en route to an 11-5 victory over Waterloo (3-5). Every MoonDog starter registered a hit and starter Danny Keefe (1-0) threw seven strong innings to take down the Bucks.

For the MoonDogs, seven players recorded multi-hit games, most notably outfielders CJ Belanger and Jovan Rodriguez who each recorded three-hit games and combined to score three runs and drive in one. Second baseman James Keithley also had a big night, going 2-for-4 with three RBI. Shortstop Bobby Munoz and designated hitter Mike Melillo also combined to go 4-for-7 with four runs and two RBI.

Aided by an 11-0 lead after six innings, Keefe went seven strong innings, giving up four runs and fanning six. Relievers Mark Haderlein and Blake Devries held the lead, giving up one run on one hit over the last two innings.

For the Waterloo, shortstop Hendrix went 2-for-5 with a run and RBI, and outfielder Nick Santos drove in two runs. Bucks starter Zach Silvus (0-1) took the loss, lasting just two innings and giving up three runs. Relievers Schneider and Conrad had an equally rough time replacing Silvus, going 3 2/3 innings giving up eight runs on fifteen hits. Another reliever, Broughton, finally held down the MoonDogs for the evening, giving up no runs and just one hit in the final 3 1/3 innings.

The MoonDogs are off to Madison for a weekend series with the Mallards. Tonight’s game can be listened to live on the MoonDogs website, beginning at 7:05 pm. Following a day off, the road trip will continue for the MoonDogs as they travel to St. Cloud and Alexandria early next week.