Mankato, Minn.- The Mankato MoonDogs lost to the Alexandria Beetles Saturday night, 9-2 at Franklin Rogers Park. Alexandria scored five runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back as they took game one of the three game series.

One of the bright spots of the game for the MoonDogs was Shaun Cooper’s (Utah) home run in the bottom of the eighth inning which was his 11th of the season, which broke the MoonDogs single season home run record which was previously held by Carlos Ramirez. Cooper is also a Northwoods League North Division All-Star and only needs one more home run to break the MoonDogs career home run record. Cooper was 2-for-4 from the plate with an RBI and a run. Nick Judkins, who is also a Northwoods League North Division All-Star, was 2-for-4 on the night with and RBI as well.

Jordan Remer (San Francisco) suffered the loss for ‘Dogs from the mound as he struggled early in the first inning, walking four Beetle batters, giving up five runs, and eventually his pitch count became to high and MoonDog Manager Mike Orchard had to pull him. For the Beetles, pitcher Jon Reed (Tennessee) pitched six complete innings giving up one run on five hits and striking out two.

The MoonDogs will battle the Beetles again tomorrow night in game two of the three game home stand, Blake Schwartz (Minnesota St.) will be on the mound for the ‘Dogs on Sunday night. Schwartz is an Northwoods League North Division All-Star and is 4-0 on the season with a staggering 1.36 ERA.

Sunday night is Think Pink Night presented by Liv Aveda Salon & Spa, Mankato Clinic, and Country 103.5. The MoonDogs will help raise breast cancer awareness by wearing pink jerseys and hats that will be auctioned off throughout the night with the proceeds going to a local Susan G. Komen team.