(Mankato, MN) – The MoonDogs (0-1, 17-18) got home runs from All-Star third baseman Nate Hanson and left fielder Adam Abraham, but could not come away with a victory as the Beetles (1-0, 19-16) produced their own fireworks to hand the MoonDogs an 11-6 loss on Friday night in Mankato. The MoonDogs saw five different players record multi-hit nights, including Hanson and Abraham.
Hanson finished the night 3-for-5 to lead the MoonDogs, along with the home run, a run scored, and an RBI. Abraham finished the game 2-for-4 with the home run, a run scored, and two RBI. Shortstop Sean Nicol lined two doubles in the left center gap and drove in three runs. Designated hitter Mike Melillo and second baseman Jason Christian each recorded two hits with Melillo scoring once and Christian twice. Catcher Ben Geelan also scored once for the MoonDogs.
MoonDogs starter Jordan Tiegs (2-4) went two innings, giving up six runs on nine hits in the loss. Reliever Mark Haderlein threw 2 2/3 innings, allowing just one hit and no runs. Relievers Josh Castanza and Tim Ryan each pitched in an inning and a third on the night with Castanza giving up one run on two hits and Ryan allowing four runs on five hits. Matt Mossey finished it off for the MoonDogs, striking out four of the five batters he faced.
The Beetles used a six run second inning to take a big early lead. Second baseman Casey Coleman used his only hit of the night to its fullest by blasting a three-run home run. Third baseman Victor Sanchez was 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Catcher Blake Murphy was 3-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored, and an RBI. Three other players recorded two hits in the game. First baseman Tim Dellwo scored twice.Right fielder Blake Smith added another run, and center fielder Logan Hoch scored twice and drove in a run.
Beetles starter Drew Saberhagen (3-1) went seven innings, giving up four runs on nine hits. Reliever Richard Bleier finished off the game allowing two runs in two innings pitched.
The MoonDogs look to even up the series at 7:05 pm tomorrow night at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato. Tomorrow night is Lucky 7’s and Vegas Night where lucky fans can win hotel stays in Las Vegas.
