Duluth, Minn- The Mankato MoonDogs dropped game one in Duluth Friday night, losing to the Huskies 13-5 at historic Wade Stadium.

Newcomer Mike Avila (Missouri Baptist) made his MoonDogs debut Friday night, but would last just 4 1/3 innings, giving up 6 runs on 14 hits. New MoonDogs reliever Kevin Corey (Chabot) gave up 5 runs on 6 hits in his first inning with the ball club. In all, the MoonDogs pitching staff game up a grand total of 13 runs on 24 hits against Duluth, both season highs.

Outfielder David Andriese (UC-Riverside) lead the MoonDogs offensive attack, going 1-for-4 at the plate, with a triple and two runs batted in. Nick Ratajczak (Louisville) and Chase Fowler (Southern Miss) both finished the night 2-for-5 with a run scored.

Huskies designated hitter Wade Wass (Meridian CC) had an impressive night at the plate, going 5-for-5 with 2 home runs, 7 RBI, and 4 runs scored.

The MoonDogs and Huskies will be back in action Saturday night with a 7:05pm start at Wade Stadium. Kyle McGrath (Louisvile) puts his 5-2 record on the line against Huskies ace and Northwoods League Wins leader Joey Novak (Harvard).

The MoonDogs return to Franklin Rogers Park Thursday July 26th vs the Alexandria Beetles.

Thursdays game will be Farm and Food night at the Frank. The first 500 fans receive a Reusable Shopping Bag. Fans will also have the chance to win $100 worth of food from Hilltop Meat Market courtesy of Blue Earth County Farm Bureau, Corn and Soybean Growers and their checkoffs along with Minnesota 93.

Season and single game tickets are on sale at the MoonDogs ticket office located at 1221 Caledonia Street. For more information, visit our website at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the ticket office at 507-625-7047.