Mankato, Minn- With the season approaching fast (and furiously) the Dogs are excited to welcome members to the team. These five are:Boston Merila, Michael Gurka, Kai Roberts, Davis Crane, and Justin DeCriscio!
Boston Merila
An in-state product from the University of Minnesota. Boston Merlia is a switch hitting infielder with a great glove. He made 11 starts as a true freshman for the Gophers hitting .214 with 1 homerun and 3 RBIS in 2021. This season in 2022 his slashes look good, with a .252/0/10 and an increased OBP by almost twenty points. Boston’s father is a prominent figure in the University of Minnesota Community, and he is doing a great job filling the shoes he’s been given. No small task to do!
Michael Gurka
Another Gopher for the MoonDogs is Michael Gurka! Gurka is a right handed pitcher originally from Joliet Catholic Academy in Joliet. He has not allowed any runs in his appearance thus far for the University Of Minnesota, and Micahel is no small get for the MoonDogs. Coming out of high school the young man was ranked the 70th best player in the state of Illinois. Gurka is dripping with potential, and the ‘Dogs can’t wait to see the type of season Gurka can have!
Kai Roberts
Coming from the great state of Utah is Kai Roberts. A hometown kid born and raised in Utah. Kai had the opportunity to be coached by his father in High School and has blossomed into a bonafide stud. Kai for the Utes this season is hitting .290, which in itself is very impressive, but it’s the rest of his stats that standout. Walking 30 times this season, along with being 9 for 10 on stolen bases is jaw dropping. He not only gets on base but he drives them in too with 2 Home Runs and 19 RBIs. The numbers say the MoonDogs are getting a five tool player this year, and one you have to come see at ISG Field.
Davis Crane
Next up on the docket from Bellarmine university is on the base machine, Davis Crane. Crane in his sophomore season is hitting .264 with 2 home runs, and 13 RBIS. He too has been a menace for pitchers, working 17 walks in 24 games thus far. 16 of them have been worked by Crane with only one being intentional. Dare I say the MoonDogs are getting their very own version of Kevin Youkillis. He worked 14 walks the year before, so the numbers are not a fluke! Mankato fans will be walking on the moon with Crane.
Justin DeCriscio
We introduced one Torero before, and this week we get to introduce another one! Justin DeCriscio is a contact hitting infielder from Orange California! The Freshman has played in 22 games this season for San Diego. DeCriscsio is only a talented ball player as he also is a talented writer. Winning the Elks Club National Anthem Poem. We’re more than excited to see Justin trade in his blue for some MoonDog orange!
The 21st season of MoonDogs baseball begins with the Duluth Huskies coming to Mankato on May 30th at ISG Field.
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 28th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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, over 270 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove finalist and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (Tex). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.