MANKATO, Minn.–The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is excited to announce the commitment of pitcher Julian Esquibel, infielder Ryan Tuntland and outfielder Jonathan Rodriguez for the 2013 MoonDogs season.

Esquibel, a 6-foot-2-inch, 230-pound junior of Faulkner University (Montgomery, Alab.) is 7-1 for the Eagles, posting a 2.12 ERA after 51 innings of work and retiring 46 batters. With seven wins, the right-hander is currently ranked second in the Southern States Athletic Conference.

"Julian is pitching well for the Eagles this spring and we’re looking forward to transferring that to the MoonDogs,” said Field Manager Mike Orchard. "He has the potential to be a strikeout pitcher for us." 

Tuntland, a 6-foot-1-inch, 190-pound junior at West Virginia University transferred from Oakton Community College (Des Plaines, Ill.) where he finished his sophomore season with a .352 batting average, tallying 10 home runs and 48 RBIs. In his first season with the Mountaineers, the right-hander has six doubles, a triple and a home run under his belt this spring. Second on the team with a .375 BA, Tuntland has the highest on-base percentage of .463.

"Ryan is really proving himself to the Mountaineer’s offense in his first season with them," said Orchard. "He’s a good hitter that can deliver that extra base power for the middle of our lineup this summer."

Rodriguez, a 6-foot, 215-pound sophomore is in his first season at Oklahoma City University after transferring from Yavapai College (Prescott, Ariz.). The Anaheim, Calif. native was expected to be a threat in the middle of the Stars order and has proven to be so. Currently, Rodriguez has started all 33 games and leads the Stars in batting average (.385), runs (30), hits (37) and on-base percentage (.528).

"Jonathon is an offensive force that the MoonDogs will utilize in the middle of our order," said Orchard. "He has the ability to consistently get on base, but he also knows how to take the walks too."

The left-hander has raked up 26 RBIs, six doubles, a triple and leads the team in walks with 21.

The MoonDogs home opener is scheduled for Wednesday, May 29th at 7:05 p.m. against the Rochester Honkers at Franklin Rogers Park. Season tickets are now on sale at the MoonDogs office located at 1221 Caledonia Street. For more information, visit our website www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.