(Mankato, MN) – The MoonDogs (12-12, 29-29) four-game win streak came to an end Friday night as the Thunder Bay Border Cats (12-13, 25-34) used an early grand slam to defeat the MoonDogs 6-2 in Mankato. MoonDogs starter Luke Vine (4-4) ran into some trouble in the second inning, and first baseman Nathan Faulkner utilized the situation by slapping a grand slam over the left field wall to give the Border Cats an early lead they would hold on to.

The MoonDogs had a hard time finding the gaps, recording just two runs on four hits. Third baseman Nate Hanson provided some ninth inning fireworks by blasting his fourth home run of the season over the left field wall, finishing the night 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Center fielder CJ Belanger singled and drove in a run for the MoonDogs. Right fielder Alan Oaks scored on Belanger’s single.

Vine ended up throwing 6 1/3 innings, giving up six runs on eight hits while striking out six. Newcomer Elliott Gleason made his first appearance for the MoonDogs this season, throwing an inning and a third without allowing a hit. Mark Haderlein finished off the game, tossing a scoreless ninth inning.

For the Border Cats, Faulkner tallied two home runs on the evening, driving in five runs, scoring twice, and even stealing a base. Left fielder Steve Boldt singled, scored once, and drove in a run for Thunder Bay. Designated hitter Andrew MacDonald, catcher Danny Benedetti, and shortstop Marshal Davis all singled and scored once.

Thunder Bay starter Steven Vasquez (4-0) went five innings, giving up just one run on two hits while striking out four. Kirk Barnard relieved Vasquez, throwing 3 1/3 innings and giving up a single run on Hanson’s home run. Dan Zehr closed out the game, giving up a hit and recording the final two outs.

The MoonDogs finish up their series against the Border Cats tomorrow night at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato. Saturday night is Bobblehead Night as the MoonDogs host the 7:05 pm matchup.