Mankato, Minn.- The Mankato MoonDogs lost a tough game at the hands of the Duluth Huskies Sunday night by a final score of 4-2 at Franklin Rogers Park. The Duluth pitching staff shut down the MoonDogs, only giving up two hits all night. Shaun Cooper (Utah) continued his hot streak this season for the ‘Dogs with a two-run home run in the third inning, his 14th home run of the season which leads the Northwoods League.

The MoonDogs took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on Cooper’s home run. The Huskies steamed back into the game in the sixth inning, scoring four runs. K.C. Clabough (Florida Tech) doubled to lead off the inning, advanced to third on a fielder’s choice and scored on a Brian Hansen (St. Cloud St.) single. After a Travis Enger (St. Cloud St.) single, Mike Bisenius (Wayne St.) hit a three-run home run that gave the Huskies a 4-2 lead, and they did not look back. Duluth starting pitcher Dane Gronewald (Jefferson County CC) was dominant in the 7 2/3 innings he pitched, only allowing two runs on one hit and striking out eight MoonDogs.

With the loss, the MoonDogs fall to 7-9 in the second half and 30-18 overall. The Huskies are now 7-11 in the second half and 23-24 overall. The MoonDogs will make a one game road trip on Monday and head to Rochester to battle the Honkers before returning home to Mankato for an afternoon game with the first pitch at 1:05.