With everybody back at square one, optimism is spread all around the Northwoods League. For the Minot Hot Tots, a fresh start in the second half of the season began in St. Cloud. The first-half champion Rox had their way, defeating the Hot Tots 10-0 on Tuesday night.

St. Cloud started the scoring early with two runs on three hits in the first inning. The early St. Cloud lead forced the Hot Tots to play from behind.

Minot had struggles at the plate due to a spectacular pitching performance from Rox starting pitcher Hunter Day. The fourth-year Northwoods Leaguer weaved his way through eight shutout innings while striking out nine Hot Tots batters. Just four hits and two walks were recorded against Day, leaving the Hot Tots with limited opportunities for a comeback.

With Minot held scoreless, the Rox pulled away. St. Cloud did not hit a home run, but played great team baseball at the plate to create ten runs. In his season debut, Sawyer Smith recorded three hits and three RBI to lead the way for the Rox.

The game quickly wrapped up once the Rox took a 10-0 lead in the sixth inning. The game would go final with the same score.

Minot will match up with St. Cloud again tomorrow, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm CT.

Henry Allen repeated as SportClips MVP collecting two of Minot’s four hits. The Hot Tots drew three Buffalo Wild Wings Walks, all of them going to Ryan Castro.