MANKATO, MN — The Mankato MoonDogs, a member of the Northwoods League, are excited to announce the addition of four more players to their 2016 roster. Zack Engelken, Nebraska, Robby Evans, Wichita State, Dan Wasinger, Heartland Community College, and Alvaro Rubalcaba, Cal State University Northridge, will join the MoonDogs for their 15th season.
Zack Engelken, RHP Nebraska, is no stranger to the Northwoods league. In 2015, the tall right hander made six appearances for the Alexandria Blue Anchors. In 11 innings, Engelken held opponents to a .298 batting average while striking out nine. This season for the Corn Huskers, the 224-pound sophomore has made nine appearances with five starts. Over that time hitters are struggling against Engelken, hitting .257 with 20 strikeouts over 19.0 innings pitched.
Robby Evans is one of two Wichita State Shockers’ pitchers that will join the MoonDogs in 2016. The 6’2” freshman has appeared in 10 games this season, with opponents being held to a .256 average over 9.1 innings. The Frisco, Texas native will take the field with fellow Shocker and MoonDog Gabe Constantine this summer at the Frank, providing Mankato with another right hander.
The MoonDogs have also added a backstop to their roster in the form of Dan Wasinger, out of Heartland Community College. This season, Wasinger has helped the Hawks, ranked 5th nationally in the NJCAA, to a 33-9 record. The 6’1” 185-pound catcher has been swinging a hot bat lately, clubbing four home runs with a .381 average.
Mankato has also bolstered their infield with the addition of Alvaro Rubalcaba from Cal State Northridge. While Rubalcaba has not appeared in a game for the Matadors this season, there’s a lot to be excited about. In 2015, with Solano Community College, the 5’8” junior was named First Team All-Bay Valley Conference, as well as Gold Glove All-Defensive Team.
The MoonDogs home opener is scheduled for Friday, June 3rd at 7:05 p.m. against the Rochester Honkers at Franklin Rogers Park. Season and single game tickets are now on sale, call 507-625-7047 or visit the MoonDogs’ office at 1221 Caledonia Street in Mankato for more information.
###
The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 22-year old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 140 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com
The Mankato MoonDogs are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 23nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2016, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 140 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website. For more information, visit www.mankatomoondogs.com