Rochester will have to wait at least one more day for their first win of 2024. Rain dampened their efforts, both offensively and defensively, in Monday’s 6-1 loss to Thunder Bay.
A one-hour rain delay pushed the opener back. Once the puddles had dried, the sun broke through, providing a stunning backdrop for the first game of the Honkers’ 31st season.
Sadier Vicioso got the ball, but the Border Cats set the tone early with three runs, one of which was driven home by a Trey Fikes RBI single.
Tyrus Riley started for Thunder Bay and pitched three near-perfect innings. He did not surrender a run and issued two walks while striking out five.
In the middle innings, the Honkers called upon Will Cooper to keep the game close. In his three innings, the only run he surrendered was in the third when two bloopers found the green grass. Those were the only two hits Cooper allowed.
The Honkers then gave the ball to Bryce Liechty and Nathen Nino who combined for five innings and only one earned run.
Rochester’s only run of the game was pushed across by an RBI single by Cooper Schwindt in the sixth. They had the bases loaded after that, but couldn’t find a hit.
Thunder Bay will go for the two-game sweep tomorrow, first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 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’ 31st 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 www.rochesterhonkers.com 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.
