Blue Thunder quiet MoonDogs

MANKATO - Mitch Caster nailed a two-run homer leading to a four-run first inning and a 10-3 Brainerd Blue Thunder victory over the Mankato MoonDogs Thursday.

Caster went 2-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs.

Tim Winslow singled and Michael Gedman walked before Curtis Restko singled to drive in Winslow. Curtis scored on a fielding error for Brainerd's early 4-0 lead.

Winslow finished 2-5 with two RBIs and a run and Restko also had two hits.

The Blue Thunder tacked on four more runs in the fourth as Devon Ramirez hit a two-out double to right center field. Adam Petterson followed with a double, Greg Garcia walked and Caster drove in a run with a single. Garcia and Caster later scored on Winslow's single.

Brainerd's Kris Jiggits picked up his first win. He pitched eight innings allowing 11 hits, three earned runs an two walks. He struck out seven. Scott Foley pitched a perfect ninth with one strike out helping the Blue Thunder to a 6-11 record.

Notes: Michael Lueck was named Northwoods League Player of the Night for his 1-0 victory over Alexandria June 17.

Lueck threw just the second nine-inning, complete-game shutout of the Northwoods League season.

The University of North Dakota right hander allowed four hits and three walks while striking out eight. He improved to 1-2 and lowered his ERA to 3.26.

Brainerd 400 400 200 - 10 10 2

Mankato 201 000 000 - 3 11 4

Brainerd: Kris Jiggits, Scott Foley (9) and Tim Winslow. Mankato: Ryan Demmin, Josh Castanza (5), Wes Freie (8) and Dan Burkhart.

WP: Jiggits (1-3). LP: Demmin (1-1).

2B: Brd-Adam Petterson, Trey Lucas, Devon Ramirez. HR: Brd-Mitch Caster. SB: Brd-Michael Gedman RBI: Brd-Petterson, Caster 3, Winslow 2, Lucas 1, Restko 1; M-Cory Harrilchak, Tony Strazzara.

DP: Brd 2. LOB: Brd 5, M 9.

Time: 2:33.