(Wausau, WI) – MoonDogs starter Garett Claypool was dominant, working six shutout innings and striking out ten, but it wasn’t enough for the MoonDogs (0-4, 17-21), who dropped the game to the Wisconsin Woodchucks (4-0, 20-18) 1-0 Monday night in Wausau. The MoonDogs pitching staff gave up just four total hits for the game, but a costly error would allow the Woodchucks to score in the bottom of the eighth to take the win.

The MoonDogs were led by All-Star third baseman Nate Hanson, who was 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base. Designated hitter Mike Melillo was 2-for-3, and catcher Ben Geeland and right fielder James Keithley each recorded a single for the MoonDogs. In addition to Claypool’s dominance, Luke Vine (3-2) threw two innings, giving up just the one unearned run on one hit to take the loss.

Woodchucks first baseman Darin Ruf recorded three of the four Woodchuck hits and scored the game-winning run. Second baseman Jeremy Barnes also singled in the game, and designated hitter Steve Winkelmann drove in Ruf for the game’s only run. Wisconsin starter Justin Fitzgerald (2-1) was equally dominant, going 8 1/3 shutout innings, allowing just six hits and striking out six on his way to the win. Reliever Pat Venditte recorded his fifth save of the season, recording the last two outs of the game.

The Northwoods League takes a break as the All-Star Game will be played in Mankato on Wednesday, July 11th at Franklin Rogers Park. The Home Run Derby starts at 5:45 pm and the game gets under way at 7:05 pm. Tickets are still available by calling the MoonDogs ticket office.