MoonDogs Playoff Hopes Fade
(8/9/05)
The MoonDogs invited the red hot Alexandria Beetles to Franklin Rogers Park on Tuesday night for game-one of the last home series of the 2005 MoonDogs season. The MoonDogs were in a must win situation in order to keep any hopes of a playoff berth alive. Even though the MoonDogs out hit the Beetles 11 to 6, the Beetles came out victorious with a 9-3 win, eliminating the MoonDogs from playoff contention.
The MoonDogs found themselves down early once again, when Paul Rice hit a 3 run round tripper in the first inning giving the Beetles a 3-0 lead. The Beetles continued to pour on the runs, as they plated three more runs in the third and tallied up three consecutive one run innings for a total of nine runs scored.
The MoonDogs got on the board in the fifth inning when L.J. Mims doubled followed by a single by Andy Cook. The sixth inning saw the MoonDogs put up two more runs highlighted by an Aaron Grant solo shot to left field, his second home run in three games.
After the Beetles busted out with a big lead, the MoonDogs looked to their relievers, Derek Tarapacki and Neil Wagner, to keep the Beetles from scoring anymore. They did just that as they dealt three combined innings, keeping the Beetles hitless and scoreless while striking two batters out apiece. But it was too little too late as the Beetles went on to the 9-3 victory.
Mims led the MoonDogs in hitting going 2-3 at the plate including a double with one run scored and one RBI. Grant finished the game with a 1-4 night at the dish, including a home run with one run scored and one RBI. Brandon Crawford was speedy on the base paths swiping two steals in the game.
The MoonDogs will play their last home game of the 2005 season tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. against the Alexandria Beetles. Tomorrow night is all about our fans as we celebrate "Fan Appreciation Night” presented by Charter Communications. The night will include multiple prizes and give aways along with a post game fireworks extravaganza. For tickets contact the MoonDogs Ticket Office at 507-625-7047 or stop by either Hy-Vee location in Mankato.
