(6/3/06) For a few moments, the Mankato MoonDogs thought they were six outs away from notching their first victory of the season. Instead, it was another heartbreaking setback, as the Madison Mallards posted a 2-1 victory over the ‘Dogs on Saturday night.

With the Mallards leading 1-0 in the top of the eighth, the MoonDogs appeared to rally into the lead. Chris Rodriguez was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, and with one out, stole second base. After Bobby Verbick struck out, Tim Smith took advantage of an outfield shift utilized by the Madison outfield, striking a ball into the left-center field gap past a diving Wayne Bond to score Rodriguez. With the ball rolling to the wall, Smith got the green light from head coach Jason Nell at third, and beat the relay throw with a headfirst slide for an inside-the-park home run to seemingly give the MoonDogs a 2-1 lead.

But upon appeal, the home plate umpire ruled that Smith had not touched third base while rounding the bases, negating his run and keeping the score tied at 1-1. Nell protested to no avail, and was thrown out of the game as a result.

The Mallards quickly regained the lead in the bottom of the inning on consecutive singles, followed by a passed ball that scored Jordan Comadena with the eventual winning run.

Steve Salas threw a complete game but was the hard luck loser in his MoonDogs debut. Salas struck out nine batters in eight innings, allowing just four hits and two unearned runs.

The MoonDogs continue their four-game road trip with a Sunday afternoon tilt with the Mallards, before going to La Crosse for a two-game set with the Loggers. The MoonDogs return home to play Rochester on Wednesday, June 7 for Magnet Schedule Night presented by TCF Bank. Game time is 7:05 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans will receive a free magnet schedule courtesy of TCF Bank.