(Rochester, Minn.) – The Bucks used a three-run home run from Blake Alexander (Dallas Baptist) in the top of the fifth, a home run from Adam McGinnis (Western Illinois) in the top of the seventh and a solo shot from Matthew Paciello (Kirkwood Community College) to push the Bucks to a 13-1 win at Mayo Field over the Honkers. With the win, the Bucks take a 1-0 series lead in the SCHEELS Highway 63 Cup.
The Bucks scored early and often, tailing three runs by the third inning. McGinnis doubled home Tyler Curtis (Lynn University) in the top of the second, while Daniel Perry (Iowa) doubled home Taylor Boyd (St. Josephs), and later scored on an error to give the Bucks a 3-0 lead.
Christopher Scalisi (Redlands) scored the only run for the Honkers. He reached on an error, moved to third on a failed pick-off attempt and scored on a wild pitch.
With the Honkers trailing 4-1, Alexander launched his three-run shot, giving the Bucks a 7-1 lead. The Bucks added another run in the sixth, and then McGinnis hit his solo shot, apart of a four-run seventh inning, giving Waterloo a 12-1 lead.
Erik Cha (0-2) (Cal State Fullerton) took the loss for the Honkers; he went four innings, gave up two runs, six hits and struck out six. Ethan Kenkel (South Dakota State), Jesse Ellefson (Montevallo), Jackson Douglas (Iowa Western CC) and Houston Glad (NE Oklahoma JC) all pitched in relief for Rochester, giving up a combined 10 runs, nine hits, and struck out six.
Keaton Weisz (Auburn) collected the only hit for the Honkers, while four Bucks collected multiple hits. Perry led the Bucks going 3 for 4 with three runs scored and two RBI. Alexander went 2 for 5 with two runs scored and three RBI to help pace the offense.
Patrick Boyle (1-0) (Missouri Baptist) got the win for the Bucks going six innings, gave up one hit and struck out one. Tim Mulvey (Washington Jefferson) and Andrew Muehlberger (Central Missouri) pitched the final three innings without giving up a single hit.
With the loss the Honkers fall to 2-4, while the Bucks move to 5-2. The two teams will play in Waterloo tomorrow night. The Honkers will then travel to Mankato to battle the MoonDogs Wednesday for a two, seven inning games. The Honkers are back at home Thursday to battle the same MoonDogs. Rest your feet and take a seat at Mayo Field after enjoying Thursdays On First!
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
All Rochester Honkers’ games can be heard on 1520 AM ‘The Ticket”. Season tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information or go to rochesterhonkers.com
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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, more than 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
