Border Cats Right Fielder Robb Paller gets a faceful of Brett Synek's glove in an attempted steal at second base. The MoonDogs delivered a faceful of offense as they mashed Thunder Bay 11-4 in action at TBaytel Park. (Photo courtesy of Border Cats Staff).

Northwoods League player of the night, Peter Maris's 1st home run gave the Mankato MoonDogs (30-22, 9-7) the lead for good in the top of the 6th, on the way to an 11-4 victory over the Thunder Bay Border Cats (17-32, 3-11) in action at TBaytel Park. The game was within reach until the 9th where the MoonDogs struck up a 4-run half inning to seal the deal.

MoonDogs number three hitter Maris was 3-4 with two long balls and five RBI's while drawing the free pass. The top of the order was huge for Mankato as Tyler Sullivan was 2-4 with a walk and two runs scored and Brett Synek went 2-4 with a double and two driven in while scoring three times.

Tyler Rolland (Southern Illinois University) led the way for Thunder Bay going 2-4 with an RBI. Cory Kay (Missouri State) and Robb Paller (Columbia University) each collected a double, scoring once, with Kay picking up a pair of RBI's and Paller knocking in Kay.

Jacob Westerhouse (4-2) came in relief for the MoonDogs and won the game. He worked 4 2/3 allowing one hit, walking one, and striking out four.

Ryan Powers (Miami-Ohio) took the loss (1-2) after a seven inning start where he allowed five runs, three earned on five hits and three walks with five strikeouts.

The Border Cats look for the split in game two on Friday night, starting at 7:05pm at TBaytel Park.