Border Cats Bounce Back from a Blowout Loss with Blowout Win!

The Thunder Bay Border Cats (4-2) bounced back from a tough loss last night with a blowout win over the Mankato Moondogs (4-2). The Cats won 11-6 in what was a strong offensive performance from many Border Cats players. The Cats combined for 16 hits with Billy Cook and Gunner Hellstrom providing three each. The hitting started early as the Cats got on the board first and built an 8-0 lead through the first five innings. The Moondogs made the score a little closer for a few innings thanks to a four-run seventh inning led by another Kyle MacDonald home run. The potential comeback was short-lived as the Cats added two more runs in the ninth inning and closed it out from there.

Kyle Czaplak made his Border Cats debut and had an instant impact! In his first at-bat, he reached on a base on balls and later scored on a Brady Gulakowski single. In his next at-bat he hit a two run homerun off of the scoreboard over the right field wall. He also had an impact at shortstop as he made a couple terrific defensive plays including a diving grab. Other notable performances that have not been mentioned include Shane Connahan, Cam Pearcey and Daniel DeSimone who all added a couple RBI’s.

It should not be forgotten that tonight’s starting pitcher Connor Fabing was solid once again. He pitched 5.2 innings of one-run baseball and did not allow the Moondogs to get into the ballgame. Calvin Wood, John Sakowski, and Andrew Gross all entered the game out of the bullpen and shut down the Moondogs batters.

The Cats now return home for a four-game series against the first half champions from the North division the Bismarck Larks. The Cats just swept the Larks in Bismarck so they will be looking for some revenge. The Cats will need the help from the home fans to continue their strong second half start and push for the playoffs. The Cats have now won 11 of their last 15! The box office opens at 11 AM and first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

Photo Credit: James Mirabelli