(Mankato, MN) – The MoonDogs (5-8, 22-25) hit the ball well Saturday night in Brainerd, but stranded twelve runners on their way to an 8-5 loss to the Brainerd Blue Thunder (6-7, 17-30). The MoonDogs recorded thirteen hits, but only one extra-base hit, a double by left fielder Jovan Rodriguez, who was 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Shortstop Jason Christian was 2-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Designated hitter Mike Lobacz was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Right fielder James Keithley, catcher Ben Geelan, and second baseman Sean Nicol each scored for the MoonDogs. Third baseman Nate Hanson was 2-for-5, and first baseman Adam Abraham was 3-for-5.

MoonDogs starter Jordan Tiegs (3-5) went six innings, giving up five runs, four earned, on eight hits. Adam Abraham gave up two unearned runs in one inning. Mark Hadelein also gave up a run, and Tim Ryan threw a hitless eighth inning.

Third baseman Xavier Scruggs was 1-for-3 with a home run, two runs, and two RBI. Center fielder Andy Dirks was 2-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI. Right fielder Ryan Royster was 2-for-4 with an RBI, and catcher Matt Lagree was 1-for-3 with a two runs scored to lead the Blue Thunder.

MoonDogs starter Mihai Burlea went 4 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on six hits. Reliever Eric Anderson (1-1) recorded the win after going 2 2/3 innings, allowing just two hits and no runs. Tyler Brandon gave up two unearned runs over the final two innings to hold the Brainerd lead.