Thunder Bay, Ontario- The Mankato MoonDogs used a six run, two out rally in the top of the eighth inning to break up a 6-6 tie Friday afternoon, defeating the Thunder Bay Border Cats 12-6 at Port Arthur Stadium.

The MoonDogs trailed 1-0 heading into the top of the second inning, but capitalized on a huge two out rally, scoring four runs on four hits. After adding another run in the third, Mankato’s James McDonald (ASU) led off the fourth inning with a 345 foot home run (3) over the right field wall, extending the lead to 6-2.

The MoonDogs sent starting pitcher Tyler Niederklein (Nebraska) back out to start the sixth inning leading 6-3, but he struggled, allowing a lead off walk and a base hit. Scotty Walker (UC Davis) came out of the bullpen and recorded two quick outs, but would allow three runs to score on two hits, allowing the Border Cats to tie up the ball game 6-6.

Sam Lind (Vanderbilt) kicked off the eighth inning with a double into the right field gap, followed by a Cody Ferrell (Seminole St.) infield base hit. After two quick outs and a McDonald single, the bases were loaded for Matt Reida (Kentucky). Reida entered the day 0-10 in his last five ball games, and 0-4 on the day, but he came through in the clutch blasting a deep fly ball off the right field wall, scoring three runs. The MoonDogs scored six runs in the eighth inning, taking a 12-6 lead.

Patrick Goelz (Bethune-Cookman) pitched two scoreless innings in relief, picking up his second win of the season.

The MoonDogs head back from Canada to continue their four game road trip in Rochester. Kyle Richter (USC) takes the mound Saturday night at Mayo Field, in search of his second win of the season. The MoonDogs then return home to celebrate the 4th of July in front of their home crowd. As part of the celebration, all premium, reserved and general admission seating is only $4@ Single game tickets are on sale at the MoonDogs ticket office located at 1221 Caledonia Street, or online at mankatomoondogs.com