(Mankato, MN) – Duluth designated hitter Justin Ellrich hit two homeruns and right fielder Ryan Jones hit a solo homerun to lead the Huskies (16-9) to a victory over the MoonDogs (10-15) Tuesday night in Mankato. The MoonDogs plated two runs in the ninth, but couldn’t put together enough hits to bring them back.

The MoonDog bats were led by first baseman Cody Decker, who was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, and third baseman Nate Hanson, who was also 2-for-4 with a run scored. Shortstop Jason Christian recorded the MoonDogs only RBI on the evening. Right fielder James Keithley and second baseman Sean Nicol each singled in the game with Keithley stealing his ninth base of the season.

MoonDogs starter Matt Mossey (2-3) went six innings, giving up four runs on seven hits and fanned four. Reliever Josh Castanza threw two scoreless innings, giving up just one hit and striking out three. Tim Ryan closed out the game, giving up one unearned run on two hits.

For the Huskies, Ellrich finished the night 3-for-3 with two homeruns, three RBI, and two runs scored. Jones was 2-for-3 with the homerun, two runs scored, and one RBI. Center fielder Chris House recorded the Huskies only other RBI when he drove in third baseman Kevin Hansen in the top of the ninth inning.

The Husky pitching was led by starter Zach Von Tersch (4-1) who threw eight scoreless innings, allowing just four hits, while striking out seven. Reliever Mike Nihsen entered the game in the ninth and gave up the two MoonDog runs, one earned, on two hits.

The MoonDogs try to even up the series tomorrow night at 7:05 pm at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato. Tomorrow night is Dollar Dog Night presented by Hormel, where Hot Dogs are only $1 all night.