The Great BOOM-schini
(7/10/05)

The MoonDogs traveled to Rochester yesterday to take on the Honkers in a 3:05 p.m. day game. The ‘Dogs looked to revenge a Honkers two-game sweep in the first half of the season with a win and better their perfect 2-0 first place record. Thanks to a two run bomb from right fielder, Shane Buschini, and a great display of pitching, the MoonDogs shot down the Honkers 4-1in game-one of the two-game series.

Shane Buschini’s two run round tripper came in the first inning to help push the ‘Dogs out to a 2-0 lead. Buschini is now tied for the League lead in Home runs with six. The Honkers only run came unearned in the bottom of the fifth inning to pull within one run. With the score close in the seventh inning, left fielder L.J. Mims singled to bring in two runs and extend the lead to 4-1.

After going six innings, allowing no earned runs and striking out four batters, Brandon Thomson was relieved by Derek Tarapacki in the seventh. The ‘Dogs used the bullpen by committee to close the game out when Tarapacki, Kevin Regan, and Neil Wagner each hurled one scoreless inning a piece to secure the 4-1 win. Thomson earned his third win of the season while Wagner picked up his seventh save on the year.

Buschini finished the game with two RBI, one run scored, one walk, and a home run in a 1-3 performance at the plate. Travis Howell and John Rupno both led the MoonDogs in hitting each going 2-4 on the night. Reid Fronk extended his on base streak to 26 games when he had a pinch hit single in the top of the ninth inning. His streak dates all the way back to June 12.

The MoonDogs return home, July 11, to play game-two against the Rochester Honkers at 7:05 p.m. It will be "Poster Night” which means the first 750 fans in attendance will receive a free MoonDogs poster. For tickets call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047 or stop by either Hy-Vee location in Mankato.