Alexandria, Minn-The Mankato MoonDogs belted two homeruns, but lost another tough game, 10-5 Friday Night in Alexandria.

James McDonald (ASU) smashed a homerun over the right field wall during his first at bat in a MoonDogs uniform Friday night, but it was Shaun Cooper (Utah) who led the MoonDogs offensively going 3-for-4, a triple shy of the cycle. Cooper connected for his fourth home run in the top of the fourth inning to give Mankato a 3-2 lead. Things appeared to be heading in the right direction for Mankato, but the offense stalled after Cooper homerun.

Kyle Richter(USC) made his fifth start of the summer but struggled, lasting just 4 innings. The Beetles sent Richter(1-1) to the shower in the fifth inning, scoring six runs on four hits. In all Richter allowed seven runs on twelve hits, while walking just one batter, striking out two.

Beetles Starting pitcher Jon Reed( 2-0) threw 90 pitches in eight innings of work, allowing three runs on five hits, while striking out two.

In all, the beetles scored eight unanswered runs between the fourth and eighth innings. Mankato managed to score two runs in the top of the ninth inning, but their comeback attempt fell short, losing by the final score of 10-5. Mankato has now lost three straight games, but still holds a one game lead in the North Division standings. The MoonDogs finish up their final game of this four game road trip Saturday night as they sending Tyler Neiderklien (1-0) to the mound in the hopes of ending this three game skid.

The MoonDogs return home to Franklin Rogers Park Monday, June 27th to take on the Thunder Bay Boarder Cats. Mondays game will be Bike to the Ball Park Night. All fans who bike to the park will receive a free hot dog! It is also Dollar Dog Presented by Hormel. 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.