Just two days into a week-long road trip, the Minot Hot Tots found their comfort zone in Rochester, Minnesota. After dropping five runs on the Honkers in the first inning, the Hot Tots ran away with the series-opening win on Monday night, 12-3.

Henry Allen got the Minot bats rolling in the top of the first with a one out single. The next four batters would all reach base to start the scoring, but the big highlights of the inning were still to come. Rowan Felsch plated two runs on a single and Robbie Demetree got credit for an RBI after doubling to center field. The score was 5-0 early and the Honkers had to go to the bullpen.

Against Rochester’s relievers, the Hot Tots didn’t slow down. Former Rochester Honker, Max Ortega, homered in the second inning to extend the lead. Henry Allen punched in RBI number 42 on a base hit in the third.

With a 7-0 score, Minot went for another crooked number in the fourth inning. Christian Stratis left the ballpark with a three-run home run to center. One more would score in the inning to build up the Tots’ lead to 11-0.

With plenty of run support, starting pitcher Camden Dimidjian pitched six strong innings. While only striking out one batter, Dimidjian allowed five hits and one earned run. After Dimidjian, Minot went to Josh Livengood out of the pen. Livengood would finish out the game on the hill, going three shutout innings to get a save.

The Hot Tots cruised to victory in game one of the series, 12-3. The cross-division set wraps up Tuesday night at 6:35 pm from Rochester.

There were many worthy candidates for SportClips MVP of the game, but Rowan Felsch’s 2-for-3 day with two walks, two RBIs and three runs took the honor. Nine Buffalo Wild Wings Walks were drawn. Lastly, the Sky Dancer Casino Big Win improves Minot’s second half record to 3-4, a mark tied for fourth-best in the division.