(Brainerd, MN)- After jumping out to a 2-0 lead after five innings, things looked good for the MoonDogs. Then the floodgates opened for the visiting MoonDogs as the Blue Thunder plated five runs in the sixth inning to take their first lead of the game and hung on to win 8-6.

After the MoonDogs led 2-0, the Blue Thunder built a 5-2 lead heading into the eighth inning. The MoonDogs then added two more runs in the eighth inning but the Blue Thunder then responded with three more insurance runs of their own. The MoonDogs tried to put together a rally in the ninth. Pinch hitter Jeff DeSmidt led off the ninth inning with a walk while right fielder CJ Belanger singled to advance pinch runner Jovan Rodriquez. Second baseman then drove in a run with a fielder’s choice while Sean Nicol drove in the second run of the inning with a sacrifice fly to make the score 8-6. The MoonDog rally then fell short as first baseman Mike Lobacz grounded out to end the game.

The MoonDog’s bats had another strong showing as they were able to pound out nine hits on the evening. Left fielder James Keithley, Nicol, Lobacz and Belanger led the MoonDogs offense with two hits apiece. Keithley hit his seventh double on the year and Belanger drove in two MoonDog runs. Nicol also added a double with a RBI sacrifice fly while catcher Ben Geelan garnered the MoonDogs only other hit.

Starter Danny Keefe (1-2) took the loss for the MoonDogs, going five and a third innings while striking out two. Reliever Tim Ryan came on for two and a third innings of relief and reliever Josh Costanza finished out the game for the MoonDogs.

The Blue Thunder were lead offensively by centerfielder Andy Dirks and left fielder Ryan Royster, who both had two hits. Shortstop Adam Symons drove in four runs on a double and sacrifice fly. Left fielder Erik Komatsu, third baseman Xavier Scruggs, and second baseman Patrick Rose all rounded out the offensive attack with one hit apiece.

Starter Jason Banks (2-1) took the win for the Blue Thunder, going six innings while striking out two. Alex Guttosch came on for two innings of relief while reliever Brian Westphal pitched the final inning.

The MoonDogs (7-11) begin their ten game homestand tonight with a two game series with the Blue Thunder (6-12) with first pitch slated for a 7:05 PM. .