(Mankato, MN) – The Loggers (3-6, 20-22) put up nine runs to start the game in the top of the first inning against the MoonDogs (3-6, 20-23), starting what would be a barrage of runs on the evening as the Loggers beat the MoonDogs 18-8 Tuesday night in Mankato. The two teams combined for 26 runs on 29 hits.

The MoonDog bats pounded out 14 hits on the evening. Catcher Ben Geelan was 2-for-2 with two RBI, and a run scored. Third baseman Nate Hanson and first baseman Mike Lobacz each recorded three hits. Hanson doubled and scored once, and Lobacz scored once and drove in a run. Designated hitter Mike Melillo singled and drove in two runs, and left fielder Adam Abraham tripled and drove in a run. Every MoonDog starter with the exception of Melillo scored once for the MoonDogs.

Starter Matt Mossey (2-5) lasted just two-thirds of an inning, giving up nine runs on seven hits. The MoonDogs used a major chunk of the bullpen to finish off the game. Tim Ryan gave up two runs in 2 1/3 innings. Mark Haderlein gave up two runs in a third of an inning. Josh Castanza allowed five runs on four hits in two innings pitched. Alan Oaks came back from injury to throw an inning and two thirds and struck out two. Adam Abraham finished off the game, throwing the final two innings allowing just one hit.

The Loggers were led by six players with multiple RBI. Second baseman Justin Toole doubled twice, scored three times, and drove in five runs. Left fielder Eric Thames was 3-for-5 with a double, a run scored, and two RBI. Center fielder Jim Viscomi was 2-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI. The bottom of the Logger lineup, outfielder Brett Jackson, catcher Michael Brenly, third baseman Spencer Lucian, and shortstop Troy Hanzawa combined to go 7-for-12 with nine runs and four RBI.

Loggers starter Bryan Ruff gave up seven runs, four earned, on ten hits in three innings pitched. Reliever Jesse Van Brunt (1-0) threw five innings, giving up just one run on three hits, while striking out five. Adam Dominick closed out the game for La Crosse, throwing a scoreless ninth inning.

The MoonDogs will close out the series against the Loggers tomorrow night at 7:05 pm at Franklin Rogers Park.