(Mankato, MN) – The MoonDogs (8-11) offense was out in full force Tuesday night, particularly outfielder Mike Melillo who ripped the Blue Thunder (6-13) pitching with a 3-for-4 night that featured a double, a massive homerun, two runs scored, and six RBI to lead the MoonDogs to a 12-3 victory. Starter Matt Mossey (2-2) also had a solid night carrying a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

Melillo’s night highlighted a MoonDog outburst that saw 12 runs on thirteen hits. First baseman Mike Lobacz was no slouch either as he went 4-for-5 scoring three times and driving in one. Right fielder James Keithley was the third MoonDog hitter to put up a multi-hit night, going 2-for-4 with a run scored. Shortstop Sean Nicol, designated hitter Adam Abraham, and catcher Ben Geelan each drove in one run with Nicol scoring twice and Abraham and Geelan each scoring once.

Starter Matt Mossey went seven innings giving up one run on just two hits and striking out three. Relievers Ron Miller and Chad Dawson comined to finish off the game giving up two runs on four hits.

For the Blue Thunder, first baseman Jared McDonald was 2-for-3 with a run scored, and designated hitter David Wilson was 1-for-4 with two RBI. Right fielder Ryan Royster also drove in a run.

Brainerd starter Dustin Renfrow (0-3) lasted just three innings giving up six runs, just three earned, on seven hits. Reliever Mike Germain pitched one inning, giving up one run on two hits. The MoonDogs cracked into the next Blue Thunder reliever. Eric Anderson went just one third of an inning, giving up five runs on four hits. Reliever Brand Roberts dominated the rest of the way, throwing 3 2/3 hitless innings.

The MoonDogs will finish up their series against Brainerd tomorrow in a day game at 1:05 pm. The MoonDogs will then be host to back-to-back home series against St. Cloud and Wisconsin.