Mankato, Minn.- Shaun Cooper (Utah) propelled the MoonDogs to victory on Thursday night, a 12-8 win over the St. Cloud River Bats at Franklin Rogers Park.Cooper hit his 13th home run this season and passes Shane Bushini on the MoonDogs all-time home run list. With the historic home run, Cooper is also now fourth all-time in the Northwoods League single-season home run list, passing Corey Jones from Rochester who had 13 home runs back in 2009. Cooper was 2-for-4 on the night with the historic home run, a single, three RBIs and a run scored.

The MoonDogs offense was back into the swing of things on Thursday night, putting 12 runs on the scoreboard during the game. The offense was powered by Cooper as well as Brennan Moore (Texas Tech), Nick Judkins (Creighton) and Joe Loftus (Vanderbilt). Moore was 4-for-5 on the night with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs. Judkins was 3-for-4 from the plate with a double and three runs scored. Loftus also provided runs for the ‘Dogs, Loftus was 2-for-5 with a run scored and a RBI.

Scotty Walker (UC-Davis) was the winning pitcher out of the bullpen for the MoonDogs. Alex Blackford (Arizona St.) started the game on the mound for the ‘Dogs, put ran into trouble early. He pitched four innings, giving up four runs and four hits, while walking four batters. Walker pitched two innings and giving up zero hits, and no earned runs, while striking out four batters. Walker moves 2-0 on the season with a 2.12 ERA. River Bat Zach Hirsch (Nebraska) suffered the loss on the mound for St. Cloud, he pitched two innings and gave up five runs on four hits. Hirsch is now 1-5 on the season with a 2.68 ERA.

The MoonDogs now begin a three game series against the Duluth Huskies on Friday night at 7:05 at Franklin Rogers Park. Friday night their will is a Fireworks Extravaganza presented by the Mankato Area Jaycees. Friday also marks the beginning of the MoonDogs 10th Season Celebration Weekend.