Rochester, Min-The Mankato MoonDogs capitalized on four home runs and strong starting pitching to defeat the Rochester Honkers 7-4 Monday night at Mayo Field.

Shaun Cooper (Utah) led the MoonDogs offense for a second consecutive night, going 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI. Coopers first blast came with two outs in the top of the first inning, crushing a Jeff McKenzie (Delta College) fastball 419ft. over the centerfield wall. With Cooper leading off the sixth, his second round-tripper of the day left the ball park just two pitches into the inning. Cooper’s 16th home run now ties him with David Schultz (La Crosse ’03) for third all time on the Northwoods League’s single season home run list, and just three away from tying Jason Washam (Roch. ’94) as the all time single season home run leader.

Zak Wasserman (Louisville) joined the power show in the top of the seventh inning, blasting his second home run of the season over the right field wall. Over his last five games, Wasserman is batting .333 with three doubles and two home-runs. Whitt Dorsey (S. Alabama) also had a productive night at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a home-run (1) and two runs scored.

Tyler Neiderklein (Neb.) made arguably his best start of the season striking out a season high seven batters over 6 1/3 innings, earning his third victory of the summer. Steven Rice (Vanderbilt) and Josh Dahl (Central Arizona) combined for one hit and three strike outs over two innings of work, while Patrick Goelz (Bethune-Cookman) earned his second save of the year, striking out one.

The MoonDogs return home Tuesday for Day Care Day! And Senior Day! All Seniors get in for just $1. Tuesday’s game will be an afternoon game with the gates opening at 12:05pm, with first-pitch scheduled for 1:05pm. Tickets for all remaining MoonDogs home games 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.