Rochester, Minn. – The Rochester Honkers scored all their runs in the first two innings, as that proved to be all they would need. The Honkers thwarted a late-game comeback by the Mankato MoonDogs as the Honkers prevailed 4-3 at Mayo Field Thursday evening.

The Honkers jumped out to an early lead on MoonDog starter Matt Swynenberg (Black Hawk College), as they plated three runs in the first and one in the second.

For the most part, both teams had trouble getting offense going, as the Honkers were aided by three MoonDog errors and 10 walks. Both teams had just five hits apiece, but Nick Judkins (Iowa Central) stole the show offensively, going 3-4 with a home run, double and two runs. The second baseman was the second MoonDog in as many nights to come within a triple of the cycle.

The MoonDog bullpen would hold down the fort from their as Alex Jung (Central Arizona) and John Brebbia (Elon) combined to throw 6.1 innings of two-hit, scoreless baseball.

Alex Gagnon was lights out through six for the Honkers, allowing just one run on six hits and striking out nine in his debut. Arik Sikula picked up his second save of the season, while Swynenberg took the loss for the MoonDogs.

The MoonDogs and Honkers will both be on the road tomorrow, as the ‘Dogs will travel to Waterloo while the Honkers will be in Wausau. First pitches from Waterloo and Wausau will be at 7:05 and 6:35 respectively.