The Rochester Honkers (32-33, 14-17) scored ten runs in the first five innings and relied on strong bullpen performances from Hayden Hable (Southern Arkansas) and Joey Craska (NJIT) on the way to an 11-7 victory over the Mankato MoonDogs (36-29, 17-15).
Rochester tagged Derrick Smith (NC State) (4-2) for eight runs over 3.1 inning, by far the worst start of the season for the Northwoods League All-Star. Andy Miller (Lane Community College) smashed a grand slam in the second inning and Brendan O’Sullivan (UNLV) cleared the bases with a double in the fourth inning.
After Rochester established a 10-0 lead, the MoonDogs scored six unanswered off of Frank Craska (Quinnipiac) (2-2) and Hable. Craska allowed five runs in 5.1 innings, two of which were earned, while Hable allowed just one run while getting seven outs.
Joey Craska, the middle Craska brother, secured the win, highlighted by back to back strikeouts to end the ninth inning. The Flock have now won two in a row and have a chance to split the season series versus the MoonDogs (4-4) tomorrow on Thu., Aug 10. Scheduled first pitch time is 6:35 p.m.
The Rochester Honkers began their 30th season of play on May 29th. Keep up with the team on social media by following them on Twitter (@RochHonkers) and Instagram (@honkersbaseball) and like the Honkers on Facebook at Rochester Honkers Baseball Club. Interact on social by using the hashtag #FunForTheWholeFlock!
The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 24 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, over 310 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
