(Mankato, MN) The Mankato MoonDogs (3-1, 23-15) used eight extra-base hits including six doubles and two home runs to over come an early 5-3 three lead for Alexandria (3-2, 17-21) on Tuesday night as the MoonDogs defeated the Beetles by a final score of 10-7.

All-Stars Michael Rockett (Texas-San Antonio) and Carlos Ramirez (Chandler-Gilbert) each produced home runs, after fellow all-star Brendan Lafferty (UCLA) was forced to leave the game after the third inning due to a leg injury, but the rest of the MoonDog lineup was also ready to show that they were deserving of playing in Madison next Monday. Kyle Knudson (Minnesota), Tony Strazzara (San Diego), and Matt Prokopowicz (Hofstra) each hit two doubles on the evening. Prokopowicz would cross the plate for four runs, while Knudson and Strazzara each added a single for three-hit performances. Brett Krill (UCLA) also had a big offensive night for Mankato going 3-for-5 with three singles and three runs driven in.

After going all of last season without a victory, relief pitcher Josh Castanza (Hillsborough CC) earned his second victory of the season pitching three innings and allowing one unearned run. Castanza did not allow a hit, but walked three and struck out a batter. Dale Dickerson (Nicholls St.) pitched the seventh inning allowing two hits, but striking out two batters as well. Erik Hamren (UC-Irvine) pitched the final two innings for the visitors for his sixth save of the season.

The MoonDogs return to Mankato for eleven home games in the next fifteen days. Battle Creek, Duluth, Thunder Bay, Rochester, Alexandria, and St. Cloud will all journey to Franklin Rogers Park between now and the 23rd of July. Tickets are available at the MoonDogs Ticket Office, located at 310 Belle Ave., or at the field before the game starts. If you have any questions contact the MoonDogs office at (507)-625-7047. Tonight’s game against Battle Creek is scheduled to begin at 7:05pm with the gates set to open at 6:05pm.