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From Press Release

Mankato, Minn. – The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, of the Northwoods League, is excited to announce the addition of catcher Casey Worden and infielder Paul Panaccione to the MoonDogs 2015 Roster.

Casey Worden is a 6’3, 215 pound Sophomore catcher out of Saddleback College. The Newport Beach, California native is in his second season for the Gauchos. During his freshman year in 2014, Worden appeared in 38 games, while batting .264 with five doubles, two homeruns, and 14 RBI.

“Casey is a solid all around catcher from one of the top junior colleges in Southern California,” said Field Manager Ryan Day. “He is a guy who is a gap to gap hitter with some occasional power.”

For the Gauchos in 2015, Worden is hitting .378, with six doubles, two homeruns, and eight RBI in all 12 games, which he has started.

“Right now he’s swinging the bat really well for Saddleback and we look forward to similar production this summer,” said Day.

Worden joins teammate Kyle Goodbrand as the second member of the Saddleback Gauchos to join the 2015 MoonDogs.

Paul Panaccione is a 5’10, 190 pound Junior infielder out of Grand Canyon University. The Peoria, Arizona native appeared in 48 games in 2014 while starting in 46, hitting .256 with six doubles, a triple, 23 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. Panaccione also reached base in the final ten games of the year and had six multi-hit games over his final twelve games of the season.

“Paul is an extremely athletic shortstop from one of the up and coming programs in Division I baseball,” said Day. “He will fit in great somewhere at the top of our lineup and provide us a guy who can drive in runs and when he gets on base, put some pressure on the pitcher with his ability to run.”

For the ‘Lopes in 2015, Panaccione is hitting .324 with a double, homerun, and ten RBI while starting in all eight games of the season.

“Both Paul and Casey are guys who have had a lot of experience in their first couple years of college baseball and when you’re in a 70+ game season as a coach you look to lean on those players with lots of experience to help the team,” said Day.

The MoonDogs home opener is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, at 7:05 p.m. against the Rochester Honkers at Franklin Rogers Park. Season tickets are now on sale at the MoonDogs office located at 1221 Caledonia Street.