Rochester, Minn – The Mankato MoonDogs broke loose with a nine run fifth inning to defeat the Rochester Honkers 13-7 Thursday night at Mayo field.

The Honkers opened up the scoring early, as Jimmie Koch (Florida Tech) and Jordan Jakubov (Kansas) each belted solo home runs in the second and third innings respectively, to give Rochester an early 2-0 lead.

The MoonDogs sent Honkers starting pitcher Matt Strahm (Neosho County CC) to the showers early, sending 13 batters to the plate in the fifth inning, scoring nine runs, while walking six times. Cody Ferrell (Seminole St.) kicked off the inning with his first home run of the season, a solo shot over the left field wall. But it was Zach Borenstein (Eastern Illinois) who capped off the scoring outburst, crushing a grand slam over the right field wall.

Borenstein currently leads the Northwoods League in RBI (6) and is tied for the league lead in home runs (2).

Matt Mazzoni (Fresno Pacific) picked up his first win of the season, allowing three earned runs, on four hits while striking out five Honkers in six innings of work.

The MoonDogs return home for the rubber match on Friday, June 3rd going for the sweep in the three game series against Rochester. Friday night’s game is Magnet Schedule Night presented by TCF Bank and AM 1230 "The Fan” Mankato. The first 1,000 fans receive a free 2011 MoonDogs magnet schedule. 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.