The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of four pitchers for 2011 season. Right-handed pitchers Tyler Niederklein from Nebraska (Lincoln, NB), Jeff Rohrbach from St Edwards University (Austin, TX), Matt Mazzoni from Fresno Pacific (Fresno,CA), and Nick Goody from Louisiana State University (Eunice, LA) have committed to play for the MoonDogs for the 2011 season.

Niederklein, a 6-foot-2-inch, 210-pound sophomore led the Cornhuskers this spring in wins (8), and innings pitched (69). Tyler also owns the lowest opponent batting average (.259) among starting pitchers at Nebraska. As a freshman for the Cornhuskers in 2010, Niederklein owned a 3-1 record in eight starts with a 3.09 ERA. In the summer of 2010, Tyler played for the Fayetteville SwampDogs in the Coastal Plains League where he had a team-high nine starts.

"Niederklein is a big body guy that can bounce around the rotation for us,” said MoonDogs Field Manager Mike Orchard. "He stepped in to Nebraska’s rotations and performed well within a good conference. His experience will translate well into the Northwoods League.”

Rohrbach, a 6-foot-1-inch, 180-pound junior leads the Hilltoppers this spring in complete games (6) and is tied for the team lead in shutouts (2). Rohrbach has also shown great control this spring, averaging only one walk per start. On May 16th, Rohrbach was honored with a Heartland Conference gold glove award.

"Rohrbach is a good, stand-out DII player from a good DII program,” said Orchard. "He has great command of his pitches and that is what makes him a valuable asset on our staff.”

Mazzoni, a 6-foot-5-inch, 205-pound junior has shined this spring for the Sunbirds finishing with a 7-1 record. Matt finished action this spring with the team lead in starts (14) and tied for the team lead in wins (7). Matt boasted a 2.98 ERA and fanned 68 batters in 87 2/3 innings of work this spring.

"Mazzoni is another big body pitcher who was the number two starter for Fresno Pacific this year,” said Orchard. He has the flexibility to start or come out of the bullpen for us this summer. I’m excited to see him pitch for us.”
Goody, a 6-foot, 180-pound sophomore finished an amazing spring with a 6-2 record and the team lead in ERA (1.28), strikeouts (114), and innings pitched (84) for the Manatees. Goody, a member of the 2010 SCF World Series team, pitched three 2/3 shutout innings during the series. In the summer of 2010, Goody pitched in the Florida Collegiate Summer League where he was Pitcher of the Week twice, and was the MVP in the championship game at Tropicana Field. Goody will be transferring to the University of Louisiana Tigers next fall.

"Goody is a high end arm that can hit 88-92 mph,” said Orchard. "He has put up some great numbers this spring, especially in a metal bat league.”

The MoonDogs home opener is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1 at 7:05 p.m. against the Rochester Honkers will feature special guest Paul Molitor. Season and single game tickets are now on sale at the MoonDogs office located at 1221 Caledonia Street. For more information visit our website at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047