(Rochester, Minn.) – The Rochester Honkers fell to the Mankato MoonDogs 12-2 Thursday night at Mayo Field in Northwoods League action.
A two-run home run from Jake Shepski (Notre Dame) in the first inning and a grand slam from Marcus Pingleton (Heartland CC) in the top of the second gave the MoonDogs a 7-0 lead early in the game.
The Honkers couldn’t solve Mankato’s starting pitcher, Ricky Digrugilliers (1-0) (Western Illinois), as the sophomore went six innings, gave up three hits, no runs and struck out five.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Honkers got a two-run single from Alex Fitchett (Hawaii) that scored Bryce Marquardt (Bethel University) and Christopher Scalisi (Redlands).
Jackson Rose (0-1) (Barton County CC) got the start for the Honkers, but the MoonDogs got to him early. He picked up the loss going four innings, gave up eight hits and five earned runs.
The MoonDogs put together runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings to keep pushing their lead on the Honkers. As a team, the MoonDogs collected 15 hits, compared to the Honkers’ seven.
Fitchett paced the Honkers’ offense, going 2 for 4 with two RBI, while Gavin Wehby (Nicholls State) went 3 for 6 with one RBI and two runs scored to lead the MoonDogs.
With the loss, the Honkers record now sits at 0-3 and the MoonDogs improve to 3-0. The Honkers play in Mankato tomorrow night to finish the series with the MoonDogs. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. at Franklin Rogers Park.
It’s opening week in Minnesota in the Northwoods League presented by Minnesota College Savings Plan
The Minnesota College Savings Plan, is Minnesota’s official 529 college savings plan. It takes just $25 to start, making it easier for families to save for higher education expenses. Funds saved can be used at colleges, technical schools and grad schools nationwide to cover the cost of tuition, as well as books, supplies and other qualified expenses. Additionally, SavingforCollege.com recently ranked the Minnesota College Savings Plan as one of the nation’s top performing direct sold 529 plans. Find out more at www.mnsaves.org
The Rochester Honkers next game is in Mankato to take on the MoonDogs, first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. The Honkers will then take on the La Crosse Loggers over the weekend. The Loggers will host the first game, with first pitch set for 6:05 p.m. The teams will then travel back to Mayo Field for an afternoon game, Sunday. It will be Kids Club Day presented by Perkins. Kids eat for free on the sports deck and run the bases after the game. Season tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.
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The Rochester Honkers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 23rd season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, 150 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.rochesterhonkers.com.
