(Mankato, MN) – MoonDogs first baseman Jason Christian’s four hits almost matched the entire Brainerd (6-8, 17-31) offense as Christian recorded one double and three singles as the MoonDogs (6-8, 23-25) beat the Blue Thunder 4-1 Sunday night in Brainerd. Christian also stole a base and scored twice for Mankato.

The MoonDogs offense put together nine hits, led by Christian’s four. Third baseman Nate Hanson was 2-for-5, scoring once and driving in one. Pitcher and first baseman Adam Abraham was 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Designated hitter Mike Lobacz singled and drove in a run, and right fielder Alan Oaks recorded an RBI. The MoonDogs also stole four bases. Left fielder Jovan Rodriguez recorded two steals and shortstop Sean Nicol stole one.

MoonDogs starter Danny Keefe (4-2) went 6 1/3 innings, giving up just one unearned run on two hits to get the win. Matt Mossey finished off the seventh inning, getting the last two outs, one by strike out. Adam Abraham threw a scoreless eighth inning, giving up just one hit, and closer Chad Dawson recorded his 11th save of the season after striking out two batters in the ninth inning.

The Blue Thunder bats struggled to produce, hitting just five singles and scoring once. Center fielder Andy Dirks scored the team’s lone run on a MoonDogs error. Brainerd starter Aaron Pribanic (1-1) got little help after going seven innings, giving up three runs, two earned, on eight hits. The Blue Thunder fielders had five errors, matching their hit total for the evening, resulting in two unearned runs for the Blue Thunder pitchers. Reliever Bryan Evans gave up an unearned run on one hit in two innings pitched.

The MoonDogs are home for four games, hosting series against Alexandria and Madison. Tonight’s game against Alexandria starts at 7:05 pm at Franklin Rogers Park.