Avenging their 4-game losing streak, the MoonDogs went right after the red-hot first place WoodChucks, starting in the bottom of the first inning. After Ryan Chiarelli led off the game with a single, he was able to score after the MoonDogs played a little bit of small ball. A bunt and a ground ball gave the Dogs the 1-0 lead, and then with Jeremiah Piepkorn on 1st, hometown boy Jay Nessler walked to the plate.

On Saturday night, Nessler was 3-4 and looked like he was continuing last night’s game as he belted a 2 -run -shot deep over the right field fence, putting the MoonDogs up by 3.

The MoonDogs wouldn’t stop there. Scoring 8 runs in the first 4 innings gave pitcher Clay Tichota the confidence he needed to pick up his 5th victory on the season. The MoonDogs 1-4 hitters were a combined 8-16 in the game, with Chiarelli going 3-5, Ash 2-3, Grant 1-4 and Piepkorn 2-4.

With the WoodChucks threatening late in the game, Travis Johnson came in to close the door on any late inning heroics. It was his 4th save of the season.

Tomorrow night’s game will showcase the same two teams; game time is 7:05. It is also Midwest Wireless Bobblehead Night, where the 1st 400 fans will receive a MoonDogs Bobblehead. Gates open at 6:05.