ROCHESTER, Minn. – Sam Hendrickson ruptured the pitcher’s duel with his tie-breaking slam, and the Express would not look back.

Express pitching took center stage as a strong start from all-star Walker Retz preceded three and a third scoreless innings from Andres Castro as the Express held the Honkers’ offense at bay.

Ian Regal pitched another great outing in his final start, allowing just three runs in five innings of work.

Payton Knowles shined behind the plate with two hits, including a double. Maddox Haley added another two RBIs to his total with a single in the third.

The Honkers will take on the Eau Claire Express again Friday night at 6:35 PM CT. Cohen Gomez (0-3) will take on Rochester’s Julian Castro, as the Honkers look to get back in the win column at Mayo Field.

The Rochester Honkers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 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 350 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 (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit northwoodsleague.com/rochester-honkers or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Honkers as your favorite team.