(Rochester Minn.) – A three-run home run and a six-inning start for the Honkers (2-2) guided the team to a 5-2 victory in St. Cloud tonight. Honkers’ pitching held the Rox (2-2) to a season-low two runs scored.
A one-out double by Weston Hatten (Nevada) set up an RBI single by Jordan Hart (Minnesota State Mankato) to give Rochester a 1-0 lead in the first. Tonight marked the first time this season that the Honkers scored first in a game.
The lead did not last long, as St. Cloud tied the game up in the bottom of the inning. Cameron Blaquiere (Western Carolina) singled and ended up scoring on a wild pitch to match the Honkers’ score.
Honkers’ third baseman and Rochester-native Michael Michalak (DMACC) led the charge in the second inning, tripling with one out in the inning. After a walk, newly-signed second baseman Ethan Ibarra (St. Cloud State) hit a three-run home run to take back the lead for Rochester. Zach Zubia (Texas) drove in another with a two-out double, but was tagged out on the base path to end the inning.
Shane Selman (McNeese State) hit a solo home run for the Rox in the sixth inning, but St. Cloud was not able to make a comeback.
Hunter Sullivan (Louisville) had the best start for a Honkers’ pitcher so far this season. He earned the win (1-0) after pitching six innings. He gave up two runs on three hits with four walks and six strikeouts.
Drew Slade (Ripon) pitched well in relief of Sullivan, earning his first save of the season. He went three innings, holding the Rox offense without a run on four hits and three strikeouts.
Dominic Austing (St. Cloud State) took the loss (0-1) for St. Cloud. He pitched seven innings, giving up five runs (four earned) on six hits. He walked two and struck out four batters.
The Rochester Honkers will continue on their six-game road trip. Next stop for the Flock is Marshall, Minn. to take on the Thunder Bay Border Cats. The series was relocated from Ontario, Canada due to unplayable field conditions. Byron-native Ryan Thompson (Illinois) will start for the Honkers tomorrow night. Game time is 6:05 pm.
The Flock will be back at Mayo Field on Thursday, June 8th to take on the Eau Claire Express. Come to the ball game for TeamUp/Miracle Field Kick Off Night, presented by Meshbesher & Spence.
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