Drew Gagnon (Long Beach State) arrived to Rochester, MN for the first time Wednesday, and on Thursday pitched the Rochester Honkers to a much needed victory. Gagnon made his debut for Rochester, starting on the hill against Mankato a day after the Honkers lost a pair of games to the MoonDogs (one a previous suspended game). Gagnon tossed six innings, allowing only three hits and one run while fanning nine. He departed the contest with a 4-1 lead and the Honkers were able to hold on for a 4-3 wins.

Gera Sanchez (New Mexico JC) improved his record to 2-0 on the season and the Express improved to 6-1. The Express defeated the Brainerd Lunkers 6-2 in game one of a two game series. Sanchez, who made his first start since opening day, pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out seven batters in his work for first place Eau Claire (6-1).

Three days removed from a brilliant performance by his North Alabama teammate, Mitch Handley duplicated the outing from Chase Porch, taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning. And, like Porch, Handley surrendered his only hit with two out and the bases empty. A single up the middle by Sam Munson spoiled the no-no, the lone blemish on an otherwise sterling scorecard. Handley finished the outing after eight innings, issuing three walks while striking out six. He faced no more than 4 batters in an inning and did not allow a runner past first base.