(Mankato, MN) Tony Strazzara (San Diego) saw his college season cut short due to an injury this spring and has been struggling to collect hits through the first half of the MoonDogs (5-3, 25-17) season, but he had no troubles finding the power tonight connecting for two home runs over the left field fence. Duluth (4-4, 16-26) also found some power tonight connecting for 11 hits including three doubles and a home run, and came out on top in the contest by a final score of 7-4.

Strazzara would finish the night 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two runs driven in on his solo shots. Cory Harrilchak (Elon) and Kyle Knudson (Minnesota) each had two hit nights for MoonDogs, who tied the game at four in the fifth inning before Duluth scored a single run in the sixth, eighth, and ninth innings.

Starter Jimmy Reyes (Elon) pitched six innings for the MoonDogs allowing five runs (three earned) on eight hits while striking out three. Josh Castanza (Hillsborough CC) came in and pitched the seventh and eighth for the home team allowing one run on a single hit while striking out a batter. Dale Dickerson (Nicholls St.) pitched the ninth inning in relief of Castanza and also gave up a run, his on two hits, while striking out two.

The MoonDog all-stars and coaching staff will travel to Madison on Sunday for the Home Run Derby and Gala. The team will continue their home stand after the break on Wednesday when Thunder Bay travels to Franklin Rogers Park for a two-game series. Wednesday’s game is scheduled to begin at 7:05pm.