Rawlings ‘Big Stick’ Award Winners Announced

Madison’s LaPrise Tops the List at .407

(ROCHESTER, MN)–The Northwoods League is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2013 Rawlings “Big Stick” Award. This award is given to the player at each position who had the best batting average during the 2013 regular season.

Madison Mallards second baseman John LaPrise earned a Rawlings “Big Stick” by leading the league with an outstanding .407 batting average. The Virginia Freshman was also a mid-season All Star and helped lead the Mallards to a Summer Collegiate World Series championship by hitting .500 in the playoffs.

Duluth Huskies outfielder and co-regular season MVP Keith Curcio was second in the league in batting at .367. Outfielder Tim Arakawa of the Mankato MoonDogs was the only player to earn both the Rawlings “Big Stick” and Rawlings “Finest in the Field” Award in 2013. The remainder of the “Finest in the Field” winners will be announced later this month.

Rawlings has been rewarding the top hitters in the Northwoods League since 2007 in addition to honoring the best fielders since 2002. To honor their achievement the eight award winners will receive an engraved bat from Rawlings. The complete list of 2013 Rawlings “Big Stick” Award Winners is below.

Position	Player	NWL Team	College	Batting Average
C	Jackson Slaid	Wisconsin Rapids	Montevallo	.326
1B	Marc Flores	Willmar	Hawaii	.352
2B	John LaPrise	Madison	Virginia	.407
3B	Albert Baur	Alexandria	Newberry College	.325
SS	Andrew Sohn	Alexandria	Western Michigan	.349
OF	Keith Curcio	Duluth	Florida Southern	.367
OF	Cam Gibson	Battle Creek	Michigan State	.345
OF	Tim Arakawa	Mankato	Oklahoma State	.346

To be eligible a player would have needed to have enough plate appearances to qualify for a batting title. A player must have a minimum of 2.7 plate appearances per team game.

The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 20-year old summer collegiate 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 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com.

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October 7, 2013

Rochester Honkers Hire Bowman as Field Manager for 2014
White To Stay On Campus at Oral Roberts

(ROCHESTER, MN)–The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Matt Bowman, last year’s pitching coach and current pitching coach at the University of Sioux Falls, will be the team’s field manager for the 2014 Northwoods League season. Bowman takes over for Adam White, who will stay on campus next summer at Oral Roberts.

“The decision was pretty easy,” Bowman said of returning to Rochester for a second season. “I really enjoyed last summer, despite our record. Our guys played all 70 games hard and made it really enjoyable to come to the park every day. Dan and Kim do an amazing job running a great ball club. It truly is a first class organization.” Bowman, who managed a pitching staff that posted a 4.87 ERA in 2013, admitted that coming back as field manager made his decision even easier.

“It definitely makes the decision a little easier knowing you are the skipper and not just the assistant anymore,” Bowman said. “All the calls are now on my shoulders. That is what most excites and motivates me.”

Bowman will take the place of Adam White, who will stay at Oral Roberts University next summer.

“Whether to return to Rochester or not was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make,” White said. “Unfortunately, I was unable to return because of my additional responsibilities at Oral Roberts. It was a huge honor and privilege to spend a year as manager of the Honkers. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that Dan and Kim gave me to be the manager.”

Bowman enters his fourth season as the pitching coach at Sioux Falls. The Madera, CA native spent his junior and senior playing days at South Dakota State University where he was the ace for the Jackrabbits. He was named SDSU Pitcher of the Year both seasons and recognized twice on the NCAA Division I Independent All-Tournament Team.

For Bowman, there is only one goal in mind for his second season with the Rochester Honkers and first as field manager; to win a sixth Northwoods League championship and bring it back to Rochester.

“This summer we will aim to win the Northwoods League championship,” Bowman exclaimed. “Anything else would be unacceptable. Dan and Kim have built a winning reputation that expects nothing less.”

Season Tickets and Bonus Books are now on sale for the 2014 Season. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.

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October 2, 2013

Voice of Rochester Honkers Accepts Position with California Winter League

(ROCHESTER, MN)–Rochester Honkers broadcaster Michael Broskowski has accepted media relations and broadcasting position with the California Winter League.

"I am excited to gain more experience working in more of a media relations position," Broskowski said. “The opportunity to be able to work and watch baseball in January and February in Palm Springs, California, was something I could not pass up.”

Broskowski, a 2013 graduate of Western Illinois, spent the last two summers with the Honkers as the radio broadcaster on KOLM – AM 1520 “The Ticket.”

The California Winter League will have ten teams this upcoming season and will field nearly 200 players. All games are played at Palm Springs Stadium, the former spring training stadium of the Los Angeles Angels. The season’s games will run from January 16 to February 20, with four or five games being played each day. The only off day in the season is February 2 – Super Bowl Sunday.

“The league is truly one of its kind,” Broskowski said of his future league. “It really gives players the opportunity to showcase themselves for scouts.”

The league is for players passed over in the draft, been released, or just players who want to stay in playing shape during the offseason. Last season’s players included the sons of baseball greats Roger Clemens and Ozzie Smith.

Broskowski will be one of the four people responsible for the media relations and broadcasting for the league. His duties will include: writing game recaps, writing feature stories, working with the local media, and broadcasting games.

In 2012, his first season in Rochester, Broskowski earned the award Northwoods League broadcaster of the year.

“It feels great to be rewarded for something that you dedicate your life to,” Broskowski said of the award. “All the thanks go to Kim and Dan for giving me an opportunity. They are great owners, and more importantly great people.”

He was also ranked 12^th in the nation among all college broadcasters in 2013 while at Western Illinois.

“That was a huge honor for me and for my career,” Broskowski said. “It is not often that someone can be placed in the top 20 of something in the entire country.”

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September 30, 2013

Northwoods League to have Divisional Realignment for 2014 Season
NWL also renews agreement with Rawlings for another five years

(ROCHESTER, MN)– The Northwoods League has announced that the Eau Claire Express will be moving to the North Division starting in 2014. The move was necessary with the expansion franchises in Kalamazoo, MI and Kenosha, WI joining the league next season.

“We hate to see Eau Claire leaving the South Division and the rest of our Wisconsin teams,” said Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr. “But geography and maintaining the integrity of League play has dictated such.”

The two new franchises in Kalamazoo and Kenosha will be added to the South Division. Each division will now have a total of nine teams. The nine teams in each division is similar to the new structure that was adopted by Major League Baseball when they realigned for the 2013 season with 15 teams in both the American and National Leagues.

The Kalamazoo franchise is currently holding a contest on its website to name the new team. Interested fans can vote by going to www.kzoobaseball.com.Kenosha Baseball has also narrowed down their choices for a team name to five selections. Fans can learn more about the team in Kenosha by going to www.kenoshabaseball.com.

The Northwoods League has also announced that it has signed a new five year agreement with Rawlings.

Rawlings, a St. Louis, MO company, is the official supplier of balls, bats and uniforms for the Northwoods League. Rawlings has been the official supplier of baseballs to the major leagues since 1977.

Rawlings has also been rewarding the top hitters in the Northwoods League since 2007 in addition to honoring the best fielders since 2002. To honor their achievement the eight top hitters will receive an engraved bat from Rawlings. The top fielders will receive a special Rawlings baseball glove mounted on an engraved trophy base. These awards will be announced next month.

“In keeping with our philosophy of providing an experience that closely replicates Minor League Baseball, and the fact that Rawlings has the Major and Minor League contracts for the use of baseballs, we are happy to announce that for the next five years, we will be exclusively playing with the baseball that our players will be using when they make the transition to professional baseball,” said Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr.

The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America. The 2013 season marked the 20th season of Northwoods League baseball. 116 former players have gone on to play Major League baseball. Notable alumni of the league include Curtis Granderson (Yankees), Chris Sale (White Sox), Max Scherzer (Tigers), Josh Willingham (Twins) and Jordan Zimmermann (Nationals).

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September 17, 2013

Schreiner, Mallards Honored by Northwoods League

(ROCHESTER, MN)— The Northwoods League announced that Scott Schreiner, VP/GM of the St. Cloud Rox, has been named 2013 NWL Executive of the Year. The award, which was decided by a vote of team officials at the League's annual fall meetings last week in St. Cloud, MN, is given annually to the League's outstanding executive. In another vote, the Madison Mallards were awarded the Organization of the Year award.

 

Schreiner recently completed his second year with the Rox after purchasing the team along with Gary Posch and Joe Sexton in 2012. Under Scott’s direction the Rox ranked 4^th in total attendance in the league in both 2012 and 2013. Scott is originally from St. Nicholas, MN and a graduate of ROCORI High School in Cold Spring, MN. He received his bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University in 1999. Scott was the General Manager of the St. Cloud River Bats from 2001 to 2004. During his time with the River Bats they broke single-season attendance records every year and won more games than any other Northwoods League team. After the 2004 season Scott was hired as the Vice President of the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United Stated Hockey League. Scott spent two seasons in Des Moines before he returned to his alma mater St. Cloud State University as an Assistant Athletic Director for six years.

 

“With all the great people in our league having my name on this award is truly a great honor and one I’m very humbled by,” said Schreiner. “Receiving the award isn’t possible without the hard work of our entire staff, along with the vast support of our corporate partners and dedicated fans.”

 

The Madison Mallards were honored with the Organization of the Year award after another all-around successful summer at Warner Park. The Mallards continued to have tremendous success at the gates with 213,833 fans through the ballpark resulting in a 6,110 per-game average. The Mallards also hosted the first ever Big League Dreams Showcase this summer which featured four teams of the top prospects in the Northwoods League as chosen by Major League Scouts. On the field the Mallards were the first half champion in the South Division and went on to win the Northwoods League Summer Collegiate World Series for the second time.

 

"Being recognized by our peers as the Organization of the Year means the world to us,” said Mallards President Vern Stenamn. “I view this as a testament to the work of everyone in our group, especially Conor Caloia. From the day the first fan walked into Warner Park 13 years ago, until today, Owner Steve Schmitt has always put the focus on the fan, and we wouldn't have received this accolade without following his vision for these teams."

 

The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America. The 2013 season marked the 20^th season of Northwoods League baseball. 116 former players have gone on to play Major League baseball. Notable alumni of the league include Curtis Granderson (Yankees), Chris Sale (White Sox), Max Scherzer (Tigers), Josh Willingham (Twins) and Jordan Zimmermann (Nationals).

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September 16, 2013

Former Honker Navarro Recalled by Angels

(Rochester,MN–) Former Rochester Honkers first baseman and 2006 Northwoods League MVP Efren Navarro has been recalled to the Los Angeles Angels from the Salt Lake Bees on Monday, September 16.

Navarro spent two seasons with the Honkers, as he hit .298 with 12 doubles, four homeruns, and 54 RBI in 103 games in the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He was a Northwoods League All-Star in both seasons with the team.

His efforts at the plate were not his only contribution for Rochester. His .991 fielding percentage at first base combined with his 8-2 record and 1.76 ERA in 87 innings proved his versatility as a player.

Navarro, who made his MLB debut with the Angels on September 2, 2011, has hit .226 with nine RBI and five doubles in his 72 career games.

Earlier in 2013, Navarro tallied 34 at-bats in 25 games with the Angels as he hit .235 and reached base at a .350 clip.

Navarro, who is not in the Angels starting lineup for the team's game in Oakland on Monday, September 16 at 9:05 p.m. (CT,) will look to hit his first career MLB homerun in the final 16 games of the regular season.

September 4, 2013

Former Honker Make MLB Debut

(Rochester,MN)–Former Rochester Honkers left-handed pitcher Brian Flynn lasted four innings in his MLB debut for the Miami Marlins in a 9-7 loss on Wednesday September 4 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL.

After retiring the side on just nine pitches in the bottom of the first inning, Flynn allowed his first run in the big leagues as Darnell McDonald delivered a RBI double to the left-center field gap. Starlin Castro and Dioner Navarro each added a solo homerun in the bottom of the third inning for the Cubs.

Flynn started the fifth inning, but did not retire either of the two batters he had faced in the inning. He allowed three runs on six hits in four innings of work. He walked three and recorded three strikeouts on the afternoon.

He also achieved a milestone at the plate, as he started the top of the fifth inning with a single to center field off of Chicago pitcher Jeff Samardzija.

Flynn spent the 2009 summer with the Honkers, where he went 6-2 with a 4.22 ERA in ten regular season starts. With Miami's AAA affiliate in New Orleans, he went 6-11 while posting a Pacific Coast League-best 2.80 ERA to earn his September promotion with the Marlins.

Flynn joins Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier and Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Matt Reynolds as former Honkers who are currently on a MLB roster.

August 12, 2013

Honkers Announce End of Season Awards

(Rochester,MN)– The Rochester Honkers have announced the following awards for the 2013 season: Honker of the year, Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State,) Pitcher of the year, Matt Kent (Texas A&M,) and Most Inspirational Player, Reid Roper (Illinois.)

Although he was limited to 40 games because of a hamstring injury, Burgess was able to not only win this award, but also earn the respect and admiration of Honkers Field Manager Adam White.

“He has been the best all-around player I have ever coached,” White said of Burgess. “I have been around some really good players, but what separated Carter from the others are his consistency and the way that he battled through that hamstring injury.”

Burgess hit .373 with five homeruns, 13 doubles, and 25 RBI in his time in Rochester. His season was highlighted by a 23-game hitting streak that he carried through his first 23 games with the team. The streak is the second longest in team history and is the fourth longest in Northwoods League history.

“It is unfortunate that he did leave us, but I respect the fact that he battled that bad hamstring for as long as he did,” White said. “Neither I, the organization, or the players could have asked any more out of a player to go out there and produce every day with a bad leg like he did.”

Burgess final game representing the Honkers came in Northwoods League All-Star game, where he earned MVP honors as he went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI while turning in a defensive gem to record the game's final out.

Kent is a second-year player for the Honkers and has demonstrated steady improvement in his second season.

Kent went 5-3 with a 2.50 ERA in 11 starts this season for the Honkers. For the second consecutive season he led the pitching staff in innings pitched, as he finished with 72 innings while collecting 66 strikeouts.

“Every time he has gone out there, he has competed and has given us a chance to win,” White said of Kent. “It was a tough decision between Kent, Reid Roper, and Tyler Eppler. It pretty much came down to the numbers as to why we chose Matt Kent. It was not an easy decision to make, but it was one, that after sitting down and discussing it, that we all agreed on.”

Kent joined Burgess in the all-star game, as he pitched the second inning for the North Division.

Roper, a third-year player for the Honkers, earned the award of most inspirational player of the year with his leadership on and off the field.

“Reid is a team-leader,” White said. “He leads by example and goes about his business in a professional manner and in the right way. Off the field he is always leading the guys in any event we go to; he even holds chapel in the grandstands for the players.”

In his third season in Rochester, Roper hit .229 with one homerun in 50 games. He also turned in a phenomenal performance on the mound as he did not allow an earned run in 27 innings. He struck out 30 batters, while just allowing 13 hits and three walks.

White says a big reason for Roper winning this award is his ability to separate the different aspects of his game and to be able to stay focused on the task at hand. There have been several occurrences this season where Roper has played an entire game in the field and had been asked to come in to pitch in the late innings; every time Roper has gotten the job done.

“What he has done so well is that he is able to separate himself between his offense and his pitching,” White said. “He doesn’t carry any one aspect of his game over into another. He understands that he is two different people—a pitcher and a hitter—for this team.”

The Rochester Honkers have had 40 players suit up this season, but these three players have separated themselves and earned their respective awards for the 2013 season.

August 11, 2013

Huskies Edge Honkers in Season Finale

August 11, 2013

Northwoods League Announces Postseason All-Star Team

(ROCHESTER, MN) The Northwoods League announced its 2013 Postseason All-Star Team and award winners on Sunday morning. In addition to the 31 players that were selected to the honorary team, Willmar first baseman Marc Flores and Duluth outfielder Keith Curcio were named co-Northwoods League Most Valuable Players while Duluth right-handed pitcher Clay Chapman was named Pitcher of the Year as voted by the League’s coaches and members of the media. La Crosse led all teams with five players selected. The Waterloo Bucks, the top team in this year’s regular season, swept the coaching awards.

Willmar Stingers first baseman Marc Flores (Hawaii) caps off of stellar season in the Northwoods League with a share of the MVP award. Flores started off the season with a home run in his first game on May 29 and hasn’t looked back. He was a mid-season All Star and went 1 for 5 with a home run and 2 RBI in the game. Flores is currently among the league leaders in home runs, runs batted in and batting average. Flores enters the final game of the regular season with a .353 batting average, 13 home runs and 63 RBI. Flores is a native of King City, California.

Duluth Huskies outfielder Keith Curcio (Florida Southern) also gained a share of the Northwoods League MVP award with an equally impressive summer. Curcio started off the season in his first game going 3 for 5 with 3 RBI and 2 stolen bases. The Sarasota, Florida native has multiple hits in 31 games this season including a 4 for 4 performance with 5 RBI against Thunder Bay on July 21. Curcio is also third in the league in stolen bases with 28 and ranks right behind league leader and post season All Star Jordan LaPrise from Madison in batting average. Curcio enters the final game of the regular season with a .365 batting average, 53 RBI and 28 stolen bases.

Duluth Huskies right-handed pitcher Clay Chapman (Florida Southern) was named the Northwoods League’s Pitcher of the Year. Chapman, a Junior, has pitched well the entire season but has been especially dominant in his last two starts for the playoff bound Huskies. Chapman hurled 13.1 innings over his last two starts and allowed only one earned run dropping his ERA to a league best 1.99. He carries a 4-4 record in 12 starts and has struck out 66 batters while walking 26 in 72 1/3 innings pitched this season. Chapman, standing at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds hails from Orlando, Florida.

Both Flores and Curcio along with Chapman are among the 31 players selected to the NWL’s Postseason All-Star team. The La Crosse contingent of five All-Stars include right-handed pitcher Josh Frye (Long Beach State) who is currently the league leader in strikeouts with 79 and Loggers first baseman Michael Katz (William & Mary) who leads the league with 17 home runs. They are joined by Loggers third baseman Nick Day (Iowa) and shortstop Brandon DeFazio (College of San Mateo). Loggers right handed pitcher Steven Hagen (Wooster College) rounds out the La Crosse selections and is also second in the league with 6 wins. Selected from the Madison Mallards is infielder John LaPrise (Virginia). LaPrise is currently leading the league with an astonishing .411 batting average heading into the final game of the regular season. His Mallards teammate Drew Weeks (North Florida) has also been selected. Weeks currently leads the league with 65 RBI.

Waterloo’s second-year field manager Travis Kiewit is the 2013 Manager of the Year after leading the Bucks to the best record in the league, currently at 51-18. The Bucks recently passed the 2006 Rochester Honkers for the most wins in Northwoods League history. The previous record was 50. Kiewit’s assistant coach Pat Casey earned the award for 2013 Coach of the Year in the Northwoods League.

In other awards, St. Cloud’s Joe Faber Field was voted as the field with the Best Playing Surface.

Madison Mallards and Mankato MoonDogs broadcasters Gabe Neitzel and J.J. Hartigan, respectively, were recognized by their peers as Co-Play-by-Play Announcers of the Year.

The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America. The 2013 season marks the 20^th season of Northwoods League baseball. 108 former players have gone on to play Major League baseball. Notable alumni of the league include Curtis Granderson (Yankees), Chris Sale (White Sox), Max Scherzer (Tigers), Josh Willingham (Twins) and Jordan Zimmermann (Nationals). The 2013 Northwoods League Playoffs will begin on Monday, August 12.

August 10, 2013

Huskies Clinch Playoff Spot With Win Over Honkers

August 9, 2013

Chinooks Use Big Innings to Defeat Honkers

August 8, 2013

Murphy's Late Blast Lifts Honkers Over Chinooks

August 7, 2013

Bombers Use Late Rally to Defeat Honkers

August 6, 2013

Baker Shines in Win

August 5, 2013

Kent Flirts With Perfection in Win

August 4, 2013

Hanawahine Leads Offensive Outburst

August 3, 2013

Honkers Unable to Complete Sweep Over Rox

August 2, 2013

Honkers Take Down Rox in Series Opener

August 1, 2013

Halloran's Blast Leads Honkers Comeback

July 31, 2013

Chinooks Top Honkers in Series Opener

July 30, 2013

Honkers Fall to Bombers in Series Finale

July 29, 2013

Eppler Makes Start in Big League Dreams Showcase

July 28, 2013

Honkers Lose Heart-Breaker to Begin Road Trip

July 27, 2013

Honkers Fall in Series Finale

July 26, 2013

Honkers Become First Team in Northwoods League History to Reach 700 Wins

July 26, 2013

Honkers Aim to Become First Franchise in Northwoods League History to Win 700 Games

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers enter its game with the Willmar Stingers on Friday, July 26, with 699 wins in its 20-year history and will try to become the first team in Northwoods League history with 700 all-time wins.

The Honkers were the first team to reach the 600-win plateau in 2010. This season, they have been joined by Waterloo, Wisconsin, and St. Cloud. Waterloo currently sits in second with 639 wins.

Rochester’s best season came in 2006—one of the six 40-win seasons in franchise history,–when the team went 50-17 in the regular season and eventually won its fourth, of five, Northwoods League Championships. The 50 regular season wins also stands as the Northwoods League record for most wins in a single season.

Tonight’s game at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar, MN is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. All-Star Matt Kent (Texas A&M) is slated to start for Rochester (3-16, 21-33.) Andrew Woeck (North Carolina State) is scheduled to start for Willmar (8-10, 31-22.) The Honkers will return home to Mayo Field to host the Stingers on Saturday, July 27, at 7:05 p.m.

July 25, 2013

Honkers Win With Offensive Outburst

July 25, 2013

Silent Auction Extended Until end of 7th Inning of Saturday's Game!

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers and Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) have teamed up to host a silent auction of special event jerseys worn by Honkers players, staff, and Slider that began during yesterday's game and is being extended through the week!

Jersey bidding will be accepted until the end of the 7th inning at the Honkers game on Saturday July 27!

If you cannot attend and would like to bid on a jersey, please call the Honkers office during the week at (507) 289-1170, or call (507) 440-6716 on Saturday.

When calling, be prepared to provide:

-Your name
-Cell phone number
-Jersey number you would like to bid on
-Maximum bid limit

We will monitor your jersey and only bid up until your maximum bid at which time we will text/call you to see if you'd like to raise your maximum limit or stop bidding.

All winning bid payments must be received within 1 hour after bidding ends or the jersey will be awarded to the next highest bidder.

Payment Options include:
Cash, Check (to MOCA), or Credit Card (Visa, MC, Discover, AMX). A 3.75% processing fee will be charged for ALL credit card purchases.

 

Bid Early, Bid High, Bid Often, and help bring awareness to Ovarian Cancer!

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July 23, 2013

Burgess Named MVP of Northwoods League All-Star Game

(Rochester, MN)— Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) led the North Division to a 7-5 win over the South Division and was named MVP of the 2013 Northwoods League All-Star Game in Eau Claire, WI on Tuesday July 23.

Burgess was the only player to collect multiple hits for the North as he went 2-for-5 with a double, two runs scored and a RBI.

Matt Kent (Texas A&M) recorded two outs in the second inning as he allowed four runs on two hits, whike striking out one.

July 21, 2013

Honkers Fall to Bucks at Home

(Rochester, MN)—The Waterloo Bucks completed a three-game sweep over the Rochester Honkers with an 8-6 win on Sunday July 21 at Mayo Field.

Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) started a two-out rally for the Honkers in the bottom of the third inning as he singled to right field. Max Murphy (Bradley) followed with a single of his own and Tyler Baker (Wichita State) reached on a dropped third strike to fill the bases. Caleb Dugas (Copiah-Lincoln Community College) delivered a two-run single to give the Honkers an early 2-0 lead.

Chesny Young singled to start the top of the fourth inning and Jake Mahon reached on an error to give the Bucks a scoring threat with no outs in the inning. David Kerian, John Ziznewski, and Marcos Calderon each picked up a RBI to give the Bucks a 3-2 lead.

Mike Friel (Hofstra) drew a two-out walk in the bottom of the fourth inning and Kevin Barker (UC Davis) blasted a two-run homerun, his second of the season, over the left field fence to regain the lead at 4-3.

Ziznewski and Calderon each delivered a RBI single in the following inning to put the Bucks back in front at 5-4. Baker and Dugas started the bottom of the fifth inning with back-to-back singles and came around to score on RBI from Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) and Matt Halloran (Minnesota,) and Rochester led 6-5 after five innings.

David Kerian put Waterloo back in the lead for good with a two-run single in the top of the sixth inning. Connor McClain added a RBI single in the top of the seventh inning for an insurance run.

Drasen Johnson earned the win (3-0) for the Bucks, as he allowed two runs on three hits in three innings of relief. Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) took the loss (2-3) for the Honkers. He allowed three runs on seven hits in 1.2 innings of relief work. Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) made the start for Rochester. He allowed four runs, three earned, on six hits in 4.1 innings. Waterloo’s starter, Jacob Stone, allowed four runs, two earned on seven hits in four innings. Reid Roper (Illinois) pitched two perfect innings in relief for the Honkers. He has now pitched 20 scoreless innings on the season and has not allowed a hit in his last seven innings.

Hanawahine led the Honkers offense by going 3-for-5 on the night. Dugas added a pair of hits to go with two RBI and a run scored.

Rochester (2-16, 20-33) will return to action after the All-Star Break on Thursday July 25 at 7:05 p.m. in Willmar. Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) is scheduled to make the start. The Honkers will return home to Mayo Field to host the Stingers on Saturday July 27 at 7:05 p.m.

July 20, 2013

Bucks Powered by Big Inning in Win Over Honkers

(Rochester, MN)—The Waterloo Bucks scored 11 runs in the top of the second inning in a 15-3 win over the Rochester Honkers on Saturday July 20 at Mayo Field.

Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) reached on an error to start the bottom of the first inning and Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) followed with a double to put a pair of runners in scoring position with no outs in the inning. Hanawahine scored on a RBI groundout by Max Murphy (Bradley) to give the Honkers an early 1-0 lead.

The Bucks answered by scoring 11 runs and sending 16 batters to the plate in the top of the second inning to take a commanding 11-1 lead. The inning was highlighted by homeruns from David Kerian and Kevin Needham.

Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) singled with one out in the bottom of the second inning and came around to score on a two-out RBI single from Hanawahine. Waterloo answered with one run in the top of the third and two more in the fourth inning to increase the lead to 14-2.

Reid Roper (Illinois) narrowly missed his first homerun of the season when he doubled off of the fence in right-center field in the bottom of the fourth inning and scored on a single from Parker Sullivan (Minnesota State-Mankato) to score Rochester’s third run of the game. Kerian hit his second homerun on the night in the top of the fifth inning to make the score 15-3.

Landon Simpson earned the win (4-1) for the Bucks, as he allowed three runs on eight hits in six innings. Quinn Carpenter (Iowa Western) took the loss (0-2) for the Honkers. He allowed nine runs on five hits in 1.2 innings. Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) and Alex Tenorio (Menlo College) each pitched two scoreless innings in relief for the Honkers.

Hanawahine picked up a pair of hits on the night to lead Rochester’s offense. Burgess, Roper, and Tyler Baker (Wichita State) each doubled on the night.

The two teams will finish up a three-game series at Mayo Field on Sunday July 21 at 1:05 p.m. Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) is scheduled to make the start for Rochester (2-15, 20-32.) Jacob Stone (Weatherford Community College) is slated to be on the mound for Waterloo (15-3, 39-13.) On Sunday, the Honkers will be auctioning off jerseys for Ovarian Cancer Awareness. Sunday’s game is the final game before the 2013 Northwoods League All-Star Game on Tuesday July 23, at 7:35 p.m., in Eau Claire, WI.

July 19, 2013

Bucks Use Trio of Homeruns to Defeat Honkers

(Rochester, MN)—The Waterloo Bucks hit three two-run homeruns in a 14-2 win over the Rochester Honkers on Friday July 19 at Mayo Field.

Will Sparks was hit by a pitch to start the top of the third inning for the Bucks, he came around to score the game’s first run on a two-out single from Chesny Young. John Ziznewski followed with a two-run homerun to give the Bucks an early 3-0 lead.

David Kerian blasted a two-run homerun in the top of the fifth inning to increase the lead to five runs. Waterloo added three more runs in the inning on RBI hits from Sparks and Pat McKenzie to take an 8-0 lead after four and a half innings.

Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton,) and Parker Sullivan (Minnesota State-Mankato) drew walks, and Mike Friel (Hofstra) was hit by a pitch to load the bases with just one out in the bottom of the fifth inning. Reid Roper (Illinois) singled and Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) walked with the bases loaded to put the Honkers on the scoreboard and cut the deficit to six runs at 8-2.

Kyle Pollack added the Bucks third two-run homerun of the night in the top of the sixth inning to increase the lead to 10-2. Waterloo added one run in the top of the seventh inning and three more in the top of the ninth to build the winning margin.

Aaron Rhodes earned the win (5-1) for the Bucks, as he allowed two runs on three hits in five innings. Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) took the loss (0-4) for the Honkers. He allowed four runs on five hits, while striking out six, in four innings of work.

Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) led the offense for Rochester, as he went 3-for-5 on the night. Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) added a pair of hits, including a double.

The two teams will play the second game of a three-game series on Saturday July 20 at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Quinn Carpenter (Iowa Western) is scheduled to start for Rochester (2-14, 20-31.) Landon Simpson (Arkansas) is slated to be on the mound for Waterloo (14-3, 38-13.) The three-game series are the last games before the 2013 All-Star Game in Eau Claire, WI, on Tuesday July 23 at 7:35 p.m.

July 18, 2013

Honkers Defeat MoonDogs in 13 Innings

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers ended its season series with the Mankato MoonDogs with a thrilling 3-2 win in 13 innings on Thursday July 18 at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato, MN.

Timothy Arakawa started the bottom of the first inning with an infield single and Hibraim Cordova and Chase Simpson followed with singles to give the MoonDogs an early 1-0 lead. Honkers starting pitcher Matt Kent (Texas A&M) was able to escape any further damage as he retired the next three batters to end the inning.

Tyler Baker (Wichita State) got things started for Rochester in the top of the second inning with a lead-off double. He later scored on a one-out single from Caleb Dugas (Copiah-Lincoln Community College) to tie the game.

Max Murphy (Bradley) gave the Honkers their first lead of the night as he started the top of the sixth inning with his second homerun of the season. Quinnton Mack and Woody Woodward each singled to start the bottom of the inning for the MoonDogs and Matt Wollenzin reached on an error to load the bases with no outs in the inning. Mack scored when Alex Polston reached on a fielder’s choice, but just as he did in the first inning, Kent was able to avoid further damage to keep the score tied at 2-2 after six innings.

Murphy started the top of the 13th inning with an infield single–the first Honkers hit since the seventh inning–and scored on a RBI double from Matt Halloran (Minnesota) to give the Honkers the lead.

Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) earned the win (1-1) for Rochester as he struck out three and allowed just one hit in two scoreless innings. Paul Mittura took the loss (0-1) for Mankato. He allowed one run on three hits in two innings of work. Kent allowed two runs on eight hits in six innings, while collecting eight strikeouts. Hayden Edwards (Kansas) and Reid Roper (Illinois) combined for five hitless innings in relief for the Honkers. As a staff, the Honkers pitchers combined for 17 strikeouts on the night.

Rochester (2-13, 20-30) returns home to Mayo Field to host the Waterloo Bucks on Friday, July 19, at 7:05 p.m. Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) is scheduled to make the start for the Honkers. Aaron Rhodes (Florida) is slated to start for the Bucks.

July 17, 2013

Honkers Fall at Home to MoonDogs

(Rochester, MN)—The Mankato MoonDogs took the second game of a three-game series with the Rochester Honkers as they won 6-3 on Wednesday July 17 at Mayo Field.

Zack Zehner started the top of the second inning with a single to right field and scored on a two-run homerun from Josh Fuentes, as the MoonDogs took an early 2-0 lead. Mankato added a run in the top of the fourth inning as Zehner reached on a leadoff walk, advanced to third on a pair of wild pitches, and scored on RBI single from Fuentes.

The Honkers responded with a pair of runs in their half of the fourth inning as Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) and Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) started the inning with back-to-back doubles. Hanawahine scored on a sacrifice fly from Tyler Baker (Wichita State,) while Burgess scored on a two-out single from Caleb Dugas (Copiah-Lincoln Community College) to cut the deficit to one run at 3-2.

Zehner blasted a homerun in the top of the sixth inning to increase the MoonDogs lead to two runs. Burgess answered with a homerun of his own, his fifth of the season, in the bottom of the inning to make the score 4-3 after six innings.

Mankato added insurance an insurance run in both the seventh and the ninth inning to build a three-run lead. Reid Roper (Illinois) started the bottom of the ninth inning with a bunt single over Mankato pitcher Jess Amedee and Matt Halloran (Minnesota) drew a walk to give the Honkers a pair of runners with no outs, but both runners were left in scoring position to end the game.

Julian Esquibel earned the win (2-4) for the MoonDogs. He allowed three runs on eight hits in seven innings. Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) took the loss (2-4) for the Honkers, as he allowed five runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings, while striking out eight. Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in relief for Rochester.

Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) led the Honkers offense by going 2-for-4 with a double, a homerun, and two runs scored. Roper and Dugas each collected a pair of hits on the night.

The two teams will finish up a three-game series on Thursday July 18 at 7:05 p.m. at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato, MN. Matt Kent (Texas A&M) is slated to make the start for Rochester (1-13, 19-30.) The Honkers will return home to Mayo Field on Friday July 19, at 7:05 p.m. to begin a three-game series with the Waterloo Bucks.

July 16, 2013

MoonDogs Score Early and Often to Defeat Honkers

(Rochester, MN)—The Mankato MoonDogs jumped ahead to an early six-run lead and never looked back in an 11-3 win over the Rochester Honkers on Tuesday July 16 at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato, MN.

Chase Simpson belted a two-run homerun in the bottom of the first inning to give Mankato an early 2-0 lead. The MoonDogs added four more runs in the bottom of the second inning to increase the lead to 6-0. Matt Jones, Timothy Arakawa, and Simpson all delivered run-producing hits in the inning.

Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton) drew a lead-off walk in the top of the fifth inning, Kevin Barker (UC Davis) reached on an error and Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) singled to load the bases. Deacon scored when Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) drew a bases-loaded walk to put the Honkers on the scoreboard. Max Murphy (Bradley) flew out to end the inning and leave the bases loaded.

The MoonDogs answered in their half of the inning with a two-run homerun from Zach Zehner to increase the lead to 8-1 after five innings.

Deacon, Caleb Dugas (Copiah-Lincoln Community College,) and Reid Roper (Illinois) strung together consecutive two-out singles in the top of the sixth inning to score Rochester’s second run of the game. Just as it did it in the fifth inning, Mankato responded with two runs of its own in the bottom of the sixth inning to increase the lead to 10-2.

Murphy tripled and scored on a passed ball in the top of the seventh inning, but the MoonDogs got the run back in their half of the inning as Zehner tripled to start the inning and scored on a single from Quinnton Mack.

Kahana Neal earned the win (4-0) for the MoonDogs, as he allowed one run on four hits in five innings. Nathan Roth (Doane College) took the loss (0-1) in his debut for the Honkers. He allowed eight runs on eight hits in 4.2 innings of work. Stephen Paladino (Felician College) pitched a scoreless eighth inning for Rochester.

Barker and Roper each collected a pair of hits on the night to lead the Honkers offense. Deacon went 1-for-3 with a pair of walks and two runs scored.

The two teams will play the second game of a three-game series on Wednesday July 17 at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) is scheduled to start for Rochester (1-12, 19-29.) Julian Esquibel (Faulkner University) is slated to make the start for Mankato (9-4, 26-22.) The three-game series will conclude in Mankato on Thursday, before the Honkers open up a three-game home series with the Waterloo Bucks on Friday July 19 at 7:05 p.m.

July 15, 2013

Honkers Mistakes in Fifth Inning Prove to be Costly in Loss to Huskies

(Rochester, MN)—A pair of errors in the bottom of the fifth inning propelled the Duluth Huskies to score four runs in a 5-2 win over the Rochester Honkers on Monday July 15 at Wade Stadium in Duluth, MN.

Kyle Teaf drew a lead-off walk for the Huskies in the bottom of the first inning. Conor Szczerba followed with a single and Teaf scored when Keith Curcio reached on a fielder’s choice to take an early 1-0 lead. After Curcio was caught stealing, Honkers starting pitcher Quinn Carpenter (Iowa Western) hit Trey Vavra with a pitch and walked Brad Wilson and Justin Hazard to fill the bases, but escaped further damage by striking out Nick Saathoff on three pitches to end the inning.

Matt Halloran (Minnesota) reached on a wild pitch on the third strike to start the top half of the third inning and Mike Friel (Hofstra) reached on an error as he laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Halloran to give the Honkers a pair of base runners with no outs. Both runners came around to score on a two-run double from Kevin Barker (UC Davis) to give Rochester a 2-1 lead after two and a half innings.

Duluth took advantage of a pair of errors committed by Carpenter to score four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to regain its lead at 5-2 after five innings. Vavra and Saathoff delivered RBI hits in the inning.

Carpenter took the loss (0-1) for the Honkers. He allowed five runs, two earned, on six hits in five innings of work in his first start of the season. Jake Heissler earned the win (4-2) for the Huskies, as he allowed two runs on four hits in six innings. Nate Carter picked up the save for Duluth with a scoreless ninth inning. Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) and Reid Roper (Illinois) combined for three hitless innings in relief for Rochester. With his two shutout innings, Roper has now pitched 15 scoreless innings on the season.

Barker led the Rochester offense by going 1-for-3 with a walk, a double, and two RBI. Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State,) Caleb Dugas (Copiah-Lincoln Community College,) Halloran, and Friel also collected a hit on the night.

Rochester (1-11, 19-28) will play against the Mankato MoonDogs on Tuesday July 16 at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato, MN. Nathan Roth (Doane College) is slated to make his season debut on the mound for Rochester. The Honkers will return home to Mayo Field to host the MoonDogs on Wednesday July 17 at 7:05 p.m.

July 14, 2013

Huskies Shut Out Honkers to Begin Series

(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers bats were never able to get going in a 8-0 loss to the Duluth Huskies on Sunday July 14 at Wade Stadium in Duluth, MN.

Kyle Teaf started the bottom of the third inning with a lead-off double and came around to score on a RBI single from Keith Curcio to give the Huskies an early 1-0 lead.

Duluth added three runs in each of the next two innings to build a 7-0 lead after five innings of play. Curcio drew a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the sixth inning to score the final run for the Huskies.

Chris Cervantes earned the win (2-1) for Duluth. He allowed three hits in seven shutout innings. Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) took the loss (0-2) for Rochester. He allowed four runs on five hits in 3.1 innings of work. Alex Tenorio (Menlo College) allowed one run on four hits in three innings of work in relief, while Hayden Edwards (Kansas) pitched a perfect eighth inning, with two strikeouts, for the Honkers.

Tyler Baker (Wichita State) led the Honkers offense by going 2-for-3 on the night. Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii,) Max Murphy (Bradley,) and Caleb Dugas (Copiah-Lincoln Community College) each collected a hit.

The two teams will finish up a two-game series on Monday July 15 at 6:35 in Duluth. Quinn Carpenter (Iowa Western) is scheduled to make his first start of the season for the Honkers (1-10, 19-27.) Jake Heissler (Central Missouri) is slated to start for the Huskies (7-4, 27-19) Rochester will play in Mankato on Tuesday before hosting the Mankato MoonDogs on Wednesday July 17 at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field.

July 13, 2013

Stingers Edge Honkers in Seventh Inning

(Rochester, MN)—The Willmar Stingers scored three runs in the seventh inning to take a lead in a 5-3 win over the Rochester Honkers on Saturday July 13 at Mayo Field.

Reid Roper (Illinois) drew a lead-off walk to start the bottom of the second inning, Caleb Dugas (Copiah-Lincoln Community College) followed with a single in his first at-bat in a Honkers uniform to put two runners on base with no outs in the inning. Roper came around to score on a sacrifice fly from Mike Friel (Hofstra) to take an early 1-0 lead. Dugas and Roper led the Honkers offense, as they each were 2-for-3 on the night.

Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) was hit by a pitch to start the bottom of the third inning. He advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State,) stole third, and scored on a sacrifice fly from Max Murphy (Bradley) to add a run to the Rochester lead.

Marc Flores doubled to start the top of the fourth inning for Willmar and would later score on an error to get the Stingers on the board. Michael Suchy singled with two outs in the top of the fifth inning, Flores walked, and Max Kuhn delivered a RBI single to tie the game at 2-2 after four and a half innings.

The Honkers loaded the bases with just one out in the bottom of the sixth inning, but the scoring rally ended abruptly when Jared Deacon’s (Cal State Fullerton) screaming line drive was caught by a leaping Alec Sole and turned into an inning-ending double play.

Sole started the top of the seventh inning by reaching on a walk and scored the go-ahead run on a two-out double from Flores. Two batters later, Colton Bottomley picked up a two-run single to increase the lead to three runs at 5-2.

Rochester got one run back in its half of the seventh inning when Friel reached on an error and scored on a sacrifice fly from Murphy, but that was all the Honkers offense could manage against the Stingers bullpen.

TJ Whidby picked up the win (3-1) for the Stingers. He allowed one run on one hit in 2.2 innings of work. Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania) took the loss (0-1,) as he allowed three runs on one hit in 1.2 innings. Bret Dahlson earned the save with a perfect ninth inning for Willmar. Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) allowed two runs on six hits in five innings for Rochester.

Rochester (1-9, 19-26) will play in Duluth at Wade Stadium on July 14 at 5:05 p.m. Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) is slated to start for the Honkers. Chris Cervantes (Eastern Kentucky) is scheduled to start for the Huskies. Rochester will return home on Wednesday July 17 at 7:05 p.m. to host the Mankato MoonDogs.

July 12, 2013

Honkers Snap Losing Streak With Win Over Stingers

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers picked up their first win of the second half of the season with a 6-1 win over the Willmar Stingers on Friday July 12 at Mayo Field.

Kevin Barker (UC Davis) singled with one out in the bottom of the second inning and Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton) followed with a walk to set up a three-run homerun from Matt Halloran (Minnesota.) The homerun was Halloran’s second of the season. Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) doubled to right field and Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) drove a two-run homerun, his fourth of the season, to give the Honkers an early 5-0 lead.

Willmar got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth inning when Max Kuhn launched a homerun over the left field wall to start the inning.

Rochester answered with an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh inning when Max Murphy (Bradley) started the inning with an infield single, stole second base, and came around to score when Barker singled off of third base and into shallow left field.

The five-run lead was more than enough support for Honkers starting pitcher Matt Kent (Texas A&M,) who allowed just one run on five hits, while striking out nine, in eight innings to earn the win (3-2.) Chris Kubitz took the loss (2-2) for the Stingers. He allowed five runs on five hits in 4.1 innings. Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) pitched a perfect ninth inning in relief for the Honkers.

Hanawahine went 3-for-4 with a walk and a run scored on the night. He also robbed Kuhn of his second homerun of the night to end the game.

Before the game, Kent and Burgess were announced to represent the Rochester Honkers in the 2013 Northwoods League All Star Game in Eau Claire, WI, on July 23 at 7:35 p.m. Kent is now 3-2 with a 2.25 ERA on the season. Burgess is leading the league with a .403 batting average and has four homeruns and 23 RBI on the season.

The two teams will finish up a two-game series on Saturday July 13 at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) is scheduled to make the start for the Honkers (1-8, 19-25.) Andrew Woeck (North Carolina State) is slated to start for the Stingers (3-5, 26-17.) Rochester will then head to Duluth for a two-game series beginning on Sunday July 14.

 

July 11, 2013

Huskies Score Late to Defeat Honkers

(Rochester, MN)—The Duluth Huskies scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh inning in a 3-2 win over the Rochester Honkers on Thursday July 11 at Wade Stadium in Duluth, MN.

Kyle Teaf drew a lead-off walk to start the bottom of the first inning for the Huskies. He advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Christoph Bono and scored on a RBI single from Keith Curcio to take the early 1-0 lead.

Tyler Baker (Wichita State) and Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) drew back-to-back walks to start the top of the second inning and Reid Roper (Illinois) followed with a single to load the bases with no outs in the inning. Baker scored on a sacrifice fly from Matt Halloran (Minnesota) to tie the score at 1-1.

Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) started the top of the third inning by reaching on a walk and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Max Murphy (Bradley) and scored on a two-out single from Baker to give Rochester a 2-1 lead.

Michael Suiter reached on an error to start the bottom of the seventh inning to put the tying runner on base for Duluth. Justin Hazard and Teaf each picked up RBI infield singles in the inning to reclaim the lead at 3-2 after seven innings.

Dan Schmidt earned the win (1-0) for the Huskies as he pitched two scoreless innings in relief for the Huskies. Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) took the loss (2-2) for the Honkers. He allowed three runs, just one earned, on five hits in 6.1 innings of work. Roper pitched 1.2 scoreless innings of relief for the Honkers. Duluth starter TJ Nowak allowed two runs on six hits in six innings, while Nate Carter picked up the save with a scoreless ninth inning.

Baker and Halloran led the Honkers offense, as they each collected a hit and a RBI on the night.

Rochester (0-8, 18-25) returns home to host the Willmar Stingers on Friday July 12 at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Matt Kent (Texas A&M) is scheduled to make the start for the Honkers. Friday is jersey night, presented by Wells Fargo, so the first 500 fans in attendance will receive free jerseys. The game is the first of a two-game series before the Honkers return to Duluth for a two-game series beginning on Sunday July, 14.

July 10, 2013

Huskies Use Big Innings to Defeat Honkers

(Rochester, MN)— The Duluth Huskies scored at least four runs in three different innings in a 14-7 win over the Rochester Honkers on Wednesday July 10 at Wade Stadium in Duluth, MN.

Michael Suiter, Brad Wilson, and Christopher Harvey started the bottom of the second inning with consecutive base hits. Conor Szczerba, Kyle Teaf, and Christoph Bono each picked up a RBI later in the inning to fuel a four-run inning for the Huskies.

Duluth took advantage of a pair of Rochester errors and added six more runs in the bottom of the third inning to increase the lead to 10-0. Christopher Harvey and Keith Curcio each delivered two-run singles in the inning.

After being shut out for 4.1 innings by Honkers relief pitcher Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania,) the Huskies offense added four runs to their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning off of Stephen Paladino (Felician College.)

Max Murphy (Bradley) started the top of the ninth inning off by belting his first homerun since joining the team last week, to put the Honkers on the scoreboard. Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University,) Tyler Baker (Wichita State,) and Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton) each singled, while Kevin Barker (UC Davis) and Mike Friel (Hofstra) were both hit by pitches, and Reid Roper (Illinois) drew a bases loaded walk to give the Honkers four runs without making an out in the inning. Murphy would later deliver a two-out, bases clearing double to cap off the seven-run inning.

Murphy led the Honkers offense by going 2-for-5 with a homerun, a double, and four RBI. Every player in the Honkers starting lineup collected a hit on the night.

Parker Trewin picked up the win (1-1) for the Huskies. He allowed three hits in six shutout innings. Brandon Stennis (Doane College) took the loss (2-3) for the Honkers, as he allowed ten runs, seven earned, on ten hits in 2.2 innings.

Rochester (0-7, 18-24) will look to pick of its first win of the second half of the season on Thursday July 11 at 6:35 in Duluth (5-2, 25-17.) Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) is slated to make the start for the Honkers. Rochester will return home to Mayo Field on Friday, July 12 at 7:05 p.m. to host the Willmar Stingers. Friday is jersey night, presented by Wells Fargo; so the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free jersey.

July 9, 2013

MoonDogs Use Bats to Complete Two-game Sweep of Honkers

(Rochester, MN)— The Mankato MoonDogs hit four homeruns in an 18-5 win over the Rochester Honkers on Tuesday July 9 at Mayo Field.

Due to the heavy rain in the morning and the field conditions, the start time of the game was delayed two hours.

Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) led off the bottom of the first inning with a double and came around to score on a sacrifice fly from Max Murphy (Bradley) to give the Honkers the early lead. Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) drew a walk to start the second inning and Tyler Baker (Wichita State) followed with a single to put a pair of runners on base. Campbell scored when Matt Halloran (Minnesota) grounded into a double play to give Rochester a 2-0 lead after two inning.

The MoonDogs answered with a five-run top of the third inning as they blasted three homeruns. Matt Jones and John Michael Twichell hit solo homeruns, while Josh Fuentes hit a two-run homerun to give the MoonDogs a 5-2 lead. Twichell belted his second homerun of the game in the following inning to increase the lead to 8-2 after three and a half innings. Twichell hit a pair of homeruns in each of the two games in the series.

Timothy Arakawa drove a bases clearing double in the top of the fifth inning to give Mankato a nine-run lead. Rochester answered with three runs of its own in the bottom half of the inning as Baker and Halloran started the inning with back-to-back singles and Kevin Barker (UC Davis) followed with a RBI double. Reid Roper (Illinois) and Hanawahine picked up RBI in the inning to cut the deficit to six runs at 11-5 after five innings.

The MoonDogs added two runs in the seventh inning and five more in the eighth inning to build the 13-run lead.

Brock Dykxhoorn earned the win (2-3) for Mankato, as he allowed five runs on eight hits in seven innings of work. Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) took the loss (2-3) for Rochester. He allowed eight runs on ten hits in four innings, while striking out four batters. Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania) pitched a scoreless ninth inning in relief for the Honkers.

Hanawahine led the Honkers offense by going 3-for-5 with a run scored and a RBI. Baker added a pair of hits in the game.

Rochester (0-6, 18-23) will travel to Duluth for a two-game series that begins on Wednesday July 10 at 6:35 p.m. Brandon Stennis (Doane College) is scheduled to make the start for the Honkers. Parker Trewin (North Dakota State) is slated to start for the Huskies. The Honkers will return home on Friday July 12 at 7:05 p.m. to host the Willmar Stingers. Friday is jersey giveaway night, presented by Wells Fargo, so the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free jersey.

July 8 2013

MoonDogs Use Long Ball to Defeat Honkers

(Rochester, MN)— John Michael Twichell hit a pair of homeruns for the Mankato MoonDogs in a 10-2 win over the Rochester Honkers Monday July 8 at Mayo Field.

Jonathon Rodriguez and Woody Woodward delivered back-to-back singles in the top of the second inning and both came around to score on a two-out, two-run single from Quinnton Mack to give the MoonDogs the early lead. Mankato added a run in the top of the third inning on a sacrifice fly from Zach Zehner to increase the lead to 3-0.

Mack blasted a solo homerun in the fourth inning to give the MoonDogs a four-run lead. Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) cut the deficit in half as he launched a two-run homerun to left-center field in the bottom half of the inning. Twichell answered with a two-run homerun of his own in the fifth inning to regain the four-run lead for Mankato at 6-2.

Twichell doubled the MoonDogs lead to eight runs at 10-2 in the top of the sixth inning with a grand slam with two outs to score Timothy Arakawa, Matt Wollenzin, and Mack. Twichell went 3-for-6 with two homeruns and six RBI on the night.

Jon Perrin (Oklahoma State) earned the win (2-2) for Mankato. He allowed two runs on six hits in 5.2 innings. Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) took the loss for Rochester, as he allowed three runs on four hits in three innings of work. He struck out five batters on the night. Stephen Paladino (Felician College) pitched two scoreless innings in relief for the Honkers.

Campbell led the Honkers offense with a homerun, a double, and two RBI. Max Murphy (Bradley) and Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton) each picked up a pair of hits on the night.

The two teams will finish up the two-game series on Tuesday July 9 at 1:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) is scheduled to start for Rochester (0-5, 18-22,) while Brock Dykxhoom (West Virginia) is slated to start for Mankato (3-2, 20-20.) Rochester will then travel to Duluth for a pair of games with the Huskies before returning home on Friday July 12 to host the Willmar Stingers at 7:05 p.m.

July 7 2013

Honkers Fall to Bucks at Home

(Rochester, MN)—The Waterloo Bucks completed a four-game sweep over the Rochester Honkers with a dramatic 8-7 win in 15 innings on Sunday July 7 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA.

The Honkers grabbed their first lead of the series in the top of the third inning when they scored a pair of unearned runs. Matt Halloran (Minnesota) started the inning with a walk; he scored when Reid Roper (Illinois) reached on an error. Roper came around to score on a RBI ground out from Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) to take the early 2-0 lead.

Will Sparks and Marcos Calderon delivered back-to-back two-out singles in the bottom of the fourth inning and Gerrion Grim III walked to load the bases for John Ziznewski. Ziznewski singled to score Sparks, while Calderon and Grim III scored on an error on the play to give the Bucks a 3-2 lead after four innings.

Waterloo added one run in the fifth and two more in the sixth inning to increase its lead to 6-2 after six innings of play.

Roper was hit by a pitch to start the eighth inning and Hanawahine was walked to give Rochester two base-runners with no outs in the inning, Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) followed with a single to score Roper and Hanawahine scored when Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University) reached on an error. Kevin Barker (UC Davis) drove a two-out triple to score Burgess and Pomeroy to tie the score at 6-6 after seven and a half innings. Pomeroy led the Honkers offense with three hits in the game.

The two teams each threatened to score but traded zeros through the 14th inning. Hanawahine led off the top half of the 15th inning with a double and scored the go-ahead run on a single from Max Murphy (Bradley) to give the Honkers a 7-6 lead. Sparks and Calderon each singled in the bottom half of the inning to set up a two-out, two-run, walk-off double from Ziznewski.

J.D. Moore earned the win (3-1) for the Bucks, as he allowed one run on three hits in 3.1 innings of work. Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) took the loss (0-1) for the Honkers. He allowed two runs on four hits in 2.2 innings. Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) started for Rochester, he allowed four runs, two earned, on six hits in 4.2 innings. Landon Simpson allowed six runs, two earned, on six hits in eight innings for Waterloo. Roper allowed just two hits in six scoreless innings of relief, while striking out five.

Rochester (0-4, 18-21) will now host the Mankato MoonDogs for a two-game series that begins on Monday July 8 at 7:05 p.m. College teammates are scheduled to face-off in the start. Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) is slated to start for the Honkers, while Jon Perrin (Oklahoma State) is scheduled to take the mound for the MoonDogs.

July 6 2013

Honkers Fall to Bucks at Home

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers were defeated 8-1 by the Waterloo Bucks on Saturday July 6 in their first home game of the second half of the season.

Austin Pernell drew a walk to start the top of the third inning, Chesny Young followed with a single, and David Kerian reached on an error to load the bases with no outs in the inning. Pernell scored the lone run of the inning as Honkers pitcher Matt Kent (Texas A&M) got Jake Mahon to ground into a double play.

Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) started the bottom half of the third with a single, but was putout when Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) reached on a fielder’s choice. Max Murphy (Bradley) and Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University) followed with back-to-back singles to score Burgess and tie the game at 1-1 after three innings.

Kerian reached on an error in the fifth inning and came around to score on a two-out infield single from Will Sparks to reclaim the lead for the Bucks. Young led off the top of the seventh inning with a double and came around to score on a single from Mahon to give the Bucks a 3-1 lead after six and a half innings.

Waterloo added four runs—thanks in large part to a bases clearing triple from Young—in the top of the ninth inning to increase its lead to 8-1. Young went 5-for-6 with two triples on the night.

J.T. Miller earned the win (4-0) for the Bucks as he allowed one run on eight hits in six innings of work. Matt Kent (Texas A&M) took the loss (2-2) for the Honkers. He allowed two runs, one earned, on eight hits in five innings. Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania,) Hayden Edwards (Kansas,) and Alex Tenorio (Menlo College) each appeared in relief for Rochester.

Hanawahine and Mike Friel (Hofstra) led the Honkers offense as they each picked up a pair of hits.

The two teams will finish a four-game series on Sunday July 6 at 3:05 p.m. at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA. Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) is scheduled to start for Rochester (0-3 18-20,) while Landon Simpson (Arkansas) is slated to start for Waterloo (3-0, 27-10.) The Honkers will return home to Mayo Field on Monday July 8 at 7:05 p.m as they will host the Mankato MoonDogs for a pair of games.

July 6 2013

Greer Elects to Sign With Reds

(Rochester, MN)— Most players that get drafted in the MLB Draft have a pretty good idea on whether they will sign or continue their collegiate career. Rochester Honkers outfielder Alex Greer (Iowa Western) was not one of those players.

After nearly a month of indecision, Greer has opted to sign with the Cincinnati Reds after being drafted in the 29^th in round of the MLB Draft in June.

"I went back and forth a lot," Greer said. "I wanted to go to school and try to raise my draft stock, but at the same time, I feel like I am ready."

Greer, who earned a spot on the Illinois roster by hitting .402 with five homeruns, four triples, and 38 RBI while stealing 21 bases at Iowa Western, was offered a full scholarship to play for the Fighting Illini in his junior season after he was drafted.

"It was very hard to pass up," Greer said of playing at Illinois; "especially because after the draft, they offered me a full ride."

In just 29 games with the Honkers, Greer hit .342 with eight homeruns, 28 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. His eight homeruns led the Northwoods League in the first half of the season, while he ranked in the top-ten in batting average, RBI, and stolen bases.

"It was a different experience, for sure," Greer said of playing in the Northwoods League. "I did not really see this kind of pitching in junior college, so I tried not to do too much. It seemed like stuff just went my way most of the time."

"It was a good test for me," Greer added. "Being as successful as I was definitely gave me the confidence to believe that I can be good enough to make it in the next level."

Like all other professional baseball players, Greer says the opportunity he has is a dream came true.

"It is a childhood dream," Greer said of signing his contract. "Every kid who plays baseball wants to be a professional player when he grows up. So to have this opportunity is just an overwhelming feeling that I cannot even begin to explain."

July 5 2013

Bucks Top Honkers to Open Second Half

(Rochester, MN)—For the first time in the 2013 season, Rochester Honkers shortstop Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) was held without a hit, as the Honkers were defeated 9-3 by the Waterloo Bucks on Friday July 5, at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA.

Burgess’ 23-game hitting streak ranks second in team history—just behind Justin Parr’s 24-game hitting streak in 2012—and ties for fourth—with current MLB-player Juan Pierre (Manitowoc, 1996)—in Northwoods League history.

Connor McClain got things started for the Bucks in the bottom of the first inning with a one-out single. Chesny Young followed with a RBI double to center field to give the Bucks a 1-0 lead. Young would later score on a two-out infield single from Kyle Pollack. Waterloo increased its lead to 3-0 with an unearned run in the second inning.

Kevin Barker (UC Davis) put the Honkers in the hit column and run column with one swing of the bat in the top of the third inning as he belted his first homerun of the season over the left field fence. Barker led the Honkers offense by going 2-for-4 on the night.

David Kerian, Pollack, and Maros Calderon delivered consecutive singles and all came around to score to give the Bucks a 6-3 lead after three innings. Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) drove a one-out double in the top of the fourth inning. Reid Roper (Illinois) followed with a single to put runners on the corners with one out for the Honkers. Campbell scored on a sacrifice fly from Matt Halloran (Minnesota,) while Roper scored on a RBI single from Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton.) Rochester cut the deficit to three runs at 6-3, but left the bases loaded in the inning.

Waterloo added three insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to pad its lead. Gerrion Grim III earned the win (1-1) as he allowed just one hit in four scoreless innings in relief for the Bucks. Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) took the loss (2-2) as he allowed six runs, three earned, on ten hits in six innings for the Honkers. Waterloo native, Michael Letkewicz (Augustana College) struck out two in a scoreless inning in his debut for Rochester.

The two teams will continue a four-game series on Saturday July 6 at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Matt Kent (Texas A&M) is scheduled to start for Rochester (0-2, 18-19,) while J.T. Miller (Wabash College) is slated to take the mound for Waterloo (2-0, 26-10.) Saturday is “Life’s a Beach” Night at Mayo Field and it will feature margarita specials.

July 4 2013

Bucks Top Honkers to Open Second Half

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers fell short in a 5-3 loss to the Waterloo Bucks to open the second half of the 2013 season on Thursday July 4 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA.

Chesny Young singled with one out in the bottom of the first inning, stole second base, and scored on a two-out single from Kyle Pollack to take an early 1-0 lead. Waterloo added three runs in the bottom of the second inning to take a 4-0 lead. The three-run inning was fueled by RBI hits from Will Sparks, Young, and David Kerian.

Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) and Matt Halloran (Minnesota) delivered back-to-back singles to start the top of the third inning. Campbell scored on a sacrifice fly from Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) and Halloran scored when Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) reached on an error to cut the deficit in half at 4-2 after two and a half innings.

Kevin Barker (UC Davis) was hit by a pitch with one out in the top of the fourth inning and came around to score on a two-out RBI single from Campbell to make the score 4-3.Campbell went 2-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored on the night.

The Bucks added an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh inning when Pat McKenzie singled, stole second base, advanced to third on an error, and scored on a groundout from Kerian. Hanawahine and Burgess each singled with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, but were stranded on base to end the game.

Burgess led the Honkers offense by going 3-for-5. He has now tied a franchise record—set by Justin Parr in 2012—with a 23-game hitting streak.

Brandon Stennis (Doane College) took the loss (2-2) for the Honkers, he allowed four runs, three earned, three earned on eight hits in five innings. Grant Borne earned the win (3-0) for the Bucks, as he allowed three runs, two earned, on five hits in five innings of work. J.D. Moore picked up the save with a scoreless ninth inning. Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) allowed one run on two hits in three innings of relief for Rochester.

The two teams will continue a four-game series on Friday, July 5 at 7:05 p.m in Waterloo. Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) is slated to start for Rochester (18-18, 0-1.) The Honkers will return home on Saturday July 6 at 7:05 p.m. to host the Bucks (25-10, 1-0.) Saturday is “Life’s a Beach Night,” featuring margarita specials.

July 3, 2013

Campbell's Walk-Off Grand Slam Lifts Honkers Over Rox

(Rochester, MN)— There were already fireworks scheduled for after the game, but Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) provided the early explosion with a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Rochester Honkers a 4-2 win over the St. Cloud Rox to wrap up the first half of the season on Wednesday July 3 at Mayo Field.

Conor Keniry started the top of the third inning with a single and came around to score on a wild pitch from Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) with two outs to give the Rox a 1-0 lead.

Tim Colwell drew a leadoff walk in the top of the seventh inning, advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Adam Martin, and scored on a two-out single from Luke Weber to give St. Cloud an insurance run.

Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University) and Reid Roper (Illinois) started the bottom half of the ninth inning with a pair of singles. Kevin Barker (UC Davis) attempted move the runners over with a sacrifice bunt, but was walked on four pitches to load the bases with no outs. Campbell entered the game as a pinch-hitter and belted the second pitch that he saw over the left-center field to send the Honkers crowd of 1,447 people into a frenzy.

Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) went 2-for-4 on the night to extend his hitting streak to 22 games. Justin Parr set the Honkers franchise record in 2012 with a 23-game hitting streak.

Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) earned the win (2-1) as he pitched two scoreless innings in relief. Alex McRae took the loss (2-2,) for the Rox. He allowed four runs on three hits and did not record an out. Dolsky allowed two runs on just two hits in seven innings, while St. Cloud starting pitcher Kyle Murray allowed two hits in six scoreless innings.

Rochester (18-17) will begin the second half of the season against the first-half North Division champions, the Waterloo Bucks, on Thursday July 4 at 6:35 p.m. at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA. Brandon Stennis (Doane College) is scheduled to make the start for the Honkers, while Grant Borne (Nicholls St.) is slated to start for the Bucks. The Honkers will return home to host the Bucks on Saturday, July 6. Saturday is “Life’s a Beach Night,” featuring margarita specials.

July 2, 2013

Honkers Late Rally Falls Short

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, but left the bases loaded in a 9-6 loss to the St. Cloud Rox on Tuesday July 2 at Mayo Field.

Matt Halloran (Minnesota) drew a one-out walk in bottom of the third inning and Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) put the Honkers in the hit column with a double to put two runners in scoring position. Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) followed with a RBI single to give the Honkers a 1-0 lead. Hanawahine was thrown out at home plate on the play.

Rochester starting pitcher Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) held St. Cloud to just one hit through the first four innings, but ran into trouble in the top of the fifth inning when Daniel Comstock, Bradley Strong, Conor Keniry, Devin Pearson, and Vincent Jackson started the inning with five consecutive hits to score three runs.

Charlie Morgan and Comstock drew back-to-back walks in the top of the sixth inning and they both came around to score on a two-out double from Keniry to give the Rox a 5-1 lead. Hanawahine and Burgess started the bottom half of the sixth inning with a pair of singles. Hanawahine scored on a RBI single from Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University,) while Burgess scored when Reid Roper (Illinois) drew a bases loaded walk with two outs to cut the deficit to one run at 4-3.

Adam Martin increased the Rox lead to 7-3 as he blasted a three-run homerun over the left-field fence in the top of the seventh inning. Strong and Eric Loxtercamp delivered RBI singles in the top of the ninth inning to provide a pair of insurance runs and give the Rox a six-run lead.

Halloran, Hanawahine, Burgess, and Tyler Baker (Wichita State) started the bottom half of the ninth inning with four consecutive singles to load the bases and give the Honkers a run. Alex Greer (Iowa Western) followed with a sacrifice fly to the left field fence and a single from Pomeroy cut the deficit to three runs at 9-6. Kevin Barker (UC Davis) drew a walk to reload the bases and represent the tying run at first base, but Roper and Tucker Tharp (Kansas) both popped up to end the game and leave the bases loaded.

Hanawahine, Burgess, and Pomeroy each collected three hits on the night to lead the Rochester offense. Burgess has now hit safely in all 21 games that he has played in this season.

Kyle Davis earned the win (3-1) for the Rox as he allowed three runs on five hits in 5.2 innings. Fuller took the loss (2-2) as he allowed two runs on six hits in five innings.

The two teams will finish up a two-game series on Wednesday July 3 at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) is scheduled to make the start for Rochester (17-17,) while Kyle Murray (Cal State Fullerton) is slated to start for St. Cloud (14-20.) The game will mark the end of the first half of the season. Come enjoy the game and the fireworks extravaganza, presented by ABC News.
 

July 1, 2013

Honkers Fall to Stingers in Road Trip Finale

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers ended an eight-game road trip with a 6-3 loss to the Willmar Stingers on Monday July 1 at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar, MN.

Alex Greer (Iowa Western) started the scoring as he led off the top of the second inning with a homerun. The homerun was the eighth of the season for Greer—who now leads the Northwoods League in homeruns. The Honkers held a 1-0 lead after an inning and a half. Greer finished the game going 2-for-4.

After holding the Stingers scoreless for the first four innings, Honkers starting pitcher Matt Kent (Texas A&M) surrendered three unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Tyler Leffler’s two-run homerun with two outs put the Stingers ahead 3-1.

Marc Flores led off the bottom of the sixth inning with a double to knock Kent out of the game. Zach Tillery welcomed relief pitcher Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) with a RBI single to score Flores. Tillery would later steal second base and score on a double from Danny Brennan to give Willmar a 5-1 lead after six innings.

Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton) reached on a walk to start the top half of the seventh inning and later scored on a single from Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii.) Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) followed with a RBI double to score Hanawahine and cut the Willmar lead to two runs at 5-3. Burgess and Hanawahine each picked up a pair of hits and a RBI on the night. Burgess has now hit safely in all 20 games he has played in this season.

Flores delivered a second double of the game to score Leffler and give the Stingers an insurance run in the bottom half of the seventh inning. The run was charged to Pingel, who allowed two runs on four hits in 1.1 innings of work.

Kent took the loss (2-1) for the Honkers, as he allowed four runs, just one earned, on four hits in five innings of work. Andrew Woeck earned the win (1-0) for Willmar. He allowed three runs on seven hits in seven innings. Reid Roper (Illinois) retired all five batters that he faced in relief, while recording four strikeouts.

Rochester (17-16) will now return home for a pair of games with the St. Cloud Rox to wrap up the first half of the season. The series begins on Tuesday July 2 at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Derrick Hadley (Sam Houston State) is slated to make the start for the Honkers, while Kyle Davis (Colorado Mesa) is scheduled to start for the Rox.

June 30, 2013

Stingers Score 18 to Defeat Honkers

(Rochester, MN)— The Willmar Stingers offense scored early and often as they defeated the Rochester Honkers 18-2 on Sunday June 30 at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar, MN.

Six hits and a pair of Rochester errors sparked an eight-run second inning for Willmar. Nick Halamandaris and Danny Brennan each doubled early in the inning, while Max Kuhn and Marc Flores delivered consecutive two-run singles later in the inning to cap off the big inning. Seven of the eight runs were charged to Honkers starting pitcher Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State.) Spitzack took the loss (1-1) as he allowed seven runs, six earned, on five hits in one-plus inning.

Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) walked to start the top half of the fourth inning and Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) followed with a double to put a pair of runners in scoring position with no outs. Hanawahine scored on a ground out RBI from Tyler Baker (Wichita State,) but Burgess was left at second base. With the double, Burgess extended his hitting streak to 19 games.

The Stingers answered with a four-run inning in their half of the fourth inning to increase their lead to 12-1 after four innings. The inning was aided by doubles from Flores and Alec Solé. Kevin Barker (UC Davis) started the top of the fifth inning with a single, Jeff Cambell (North Dakota) and Hanawahine followed with singles and the Honkers scored their second run of the game.

Tyler Leffler and Kuhn started the bottom half of the fifth inning with a pair of singles and Leffler scored on a ground out RBI from Zach Tillery to give Willmar a 13-2 lead after five innings. Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania) allowed six runs on ten hits as he pitched five innings in relief for Rochester.

The Stingers added one run in the seventh and four more in the eighth inning to further build its lead. Alex Tenorio (Menlo College) allowed five runs in five innings of work. Max Homick picked up the win (1-2) for Willmar as he allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings.

The two teams will finish up a three-game series on Monday July 1 at 7:05 p.m. in Willmar. The game will also conclude an eight game road-trip for the Honkers before they return home to Mayo Field to host the St. Cloud Rox on Tuesday July 2 at 7:05 p.m. Matt Kent (Texas A&M) is slated to make the start for Rochester (17-15) on Monday, while Andrew Woeck is scheduled to start for Willmar (20-11.)
 

June 29, 2013

Eppler Shuts Down Stingers in Win

(Rochester, MN)— Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) held the Willmar Stingers to just two hits in a 5-0 win for the Rochester Honkers on Saturday June 29 at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar, MN.

Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) and Tyler Baker (Wichita State) each singled with one out in the top of the first inning. Alex Greer (Iowa Western) drew a walk to load the bases for Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University,) who singled to score Burgess and give the Honkers an early 1-0 lead.

The run was enough of a lead for Eppler as he held the Stingers without a hit for 5.2 innings. After issuing a two-out walk to Chris Barnett, Eppler surrendered his first hit to Danny Brennan, but Brennan was thrown out at second base by Greer as he attempted to stretch his hit into a double.

Marc Flores singled with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning and advanced to second base on a wild pitch. Logan Moon reached on an error to put runners on the corners with just one out. Eppler responded by getting Nick Halamandaris to ground into a double play to end the inning and preserve the one-run lead.

Greer singled to start the eighth inning, Pomeroy followed with a walk, and both runners advanced on a wild pitch to give Rochester a threat. Greer scored on a sacrifice fly from Kevin Barker (UC Davis) to give the Honkers a late insurance run and increase the lead to 2-0. A double from Burgess fueled a three-run ninth inning to give Rochester a five-run lead. Burgess led the Honkers offense by going 3-for-5 with a double, a RBI, and two runs scored. Pomeroy went 2-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored.

Eppler allowed just two hits in seven shutout innings to earn the win (2-1.) Colin Poche took the loss (2-1) for Willmar as he allowed one run on seven hits in six innings. Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) pitched two scoreless innings in relief to earn his second save of the season.

The two teams have two games remaining in Willmar to finish up an eight-game road trip before the Honkers return home to Mayo Field to host the St. Cloud Rox on Tuesday July 2. Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) is slated to start for Rochester (17-14,) while Max Homick (San Diego) is scheduled to start for Willmar (19-11) on Sunday June 30 at 7:05 p.m.

June 28, 2013

Greer Leads Honkers Offense in 17 Run Performance

(Rochester, MN)—Alex Greer (Iowa Western) belted two homeruns and drove in six runs to lead the Rochester Honkers to a 17-2 win over the Alexandria Blue Anchors on Friday June 28 at Knute Nelson Memorial Park in Alexandria, MN.

Reid Roper (Illinois) led off the top half of the second inning by drawing a walk and Kevin Barker (UC Davis) doubled to start an early rally for the Honkers. Jeff Campbell (North Dakota,) Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton,) and Tucker Tharp (Kansas) each delivered with a RBI. Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) capped off the big inning with a two-out triple to score Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) to give the Honkers a 4-0 lead.

Rochester added one run in the top of the third inning as Greer led off the inning with a single, stole second, and scored on a single from Campbell. Tharp, Hanawahine, and Burgess started the fourth inning with consecutive singles to load the bases with no outs. Tyler Baker (Wichita State) drew a walk to score Tharp and Greer followed with a grand slam to bust the game open and give the Honkers a 10-0 lead. The grand slam was the second of the season for Greer.

Kris Goodman started the bottom of the sixth inning with a triple. He scored when Andrew Sohn reached on an error to put the Blue Anchors on the board. Hanawahine and pinch-hitter Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University) each collected a RBI in the top of the seventh inning to increase the lead to 12-1.

Greer started the top of the eighth inning with a single and Roper and Barker followed by drawing walks to load the bases with no outs. All three runners scored as Deacon, Tharp, and Hanawahine collected a RBI each to increase the lead to 15-1. Alexandria added a run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Baker led off the top of the ninth inning with a ground rule double and scored on a two-run homerun from Greer. The homerun was Greer’s seventh of the season, which ties for the lead in the Northwoods League.

Brandon Stennis (Doane College) earned the win (2-1) for the Honkers, as he allowed one run on four hits in 6.2 innings. Hunter Newman took the loss (0-2) for the Blue Anchors. He allowed five runs on five hits in two innings of work. Stephen Paladino (Felician College) and Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) combined to pitch the last 2.1 innings in relief for Rochester.

Greer led the Honkers offense as he went 4-for-6 with two homeruns, six RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base. Hanawahine and Deacon each added three hits and a pair of RBI on the night. Burgess went 2-for-4 and has now hit safely in all 17 games that he has played this season.

Rochester (16-14) will now travel to Willmar for a three game series to finish an eight-game road trip before returning home to Mayo Field to host the St. Cloud Rox on Tuesday July 2. Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) is slated to make the start for the Honkers in Willmar on Saturday June 29 at 7:05 p.m.

June 27, 2013

Blue Anchors Complete Doubleheader Sweep Over Honkers

(Rochester, MN)—The Alexandria Blue Anchors completed a sweep of a doubleheader with a 5-3 win over the Rochester Honkers on Thursday June 27 at Knute Nelson Memorial Park in Alexandria, MN.

Ryan Blanchard doubled and scored on a two-out single from Dalton Leuschke in the bottom of the second inning to give Alexandria an early 1-0 lead. Rochester answered by taking advantage of four errors committed by the Blue Anchors defense to score three runs in the top of the third inning and grab a 3-1 lead.

Alexandria responded by scoring a pair of runs in both the third and fourth inning to regain the lead at 5-3 after four innings of play. Alex Tenorio (Menlo College) took the loss (2-1) in his first start of the season for the Honkers. He allowed five runs, three earned, on six hits in 3.2 innings. Spencer Koopmans picked up the win (1-0) as he allowed three unearned runs on six hits in six innings of work. Jose Cardona earned his second save of the season for the Blue Anchors as he pitched a perfect seventh inning.

Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) went 1-for-3 on the night to extend his hitting streak to 16 games. Tyler Baker (Wichita State) added a hit and picked up the only RBI for the Honkers. Hayden Edwards (Kansas) pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in relief for Rochester.

Rochester (15-14) will try to avoid a three-game sweep as they play Alexandria (7-21) on Friday June 28 at 7:05 p.m. Brandon Stennis (Doane College) is slated to make the start for the Honkers. After Friday’s game, Rochester will play three games in Willmar before returning home to Mayo Field on Tuesday July 2 to host the St. Cloud Rox.

June 27, 2013

Blue Anchors Edge Honkers in Game One of Doubleheader

(Rochester, MN)—The Alexandria Blue Anchors escaped with a 3-2 win in seven innings over the Rochester Honkers in the first game of a doubleheader on Thursday June 27 at Knute Nelson Memorial Park in Alexandria, MN.

Cartern Burgess (Sam Houston State) doubled with one out in the top of the first inning and scored on a RBI single from Tyler Baker (Wichita State) to give the Honkers an early 1-0 lead. With the hit, Burgess has now hit safely in all 15 games that he has played in this season. Baker led the Honkers offense by going 2-for-3 with a RBI.

Keegan Dale led off the bottom of the third inning for the Blue Anchors with a single, Georgie Salem followed with a walk and both runners came around to score on RBIs from Kris Goodman and Andrew Sohn to take a 2-1 lead after three innings.

Alexandria added a run in the bottom of the fifth inning as Sohn delivered a two-out RBI single to score Salem and increase the lead to 3-1. Rochester scored a run in the top of the seventh inning thanks to a RBI double from Jeff Campbell (North Dakota.) Brandon Stennis (Doane College) pinch ran for Campbell and would have been the tying run, but was left at second base.

All three runs were scored off of Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State.) Dolsky took the loss (0-1) as he allowed three runs on nine hits in 4.2 innings. Chase Rihtarchik picked up the win (3-0) as he allowed two runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings. Brandon Johnson earned the save as he recorded the last two outs in the seventh inning. Reid Roper (Illinois) worked 1.1 scoreless innings in relief for the Honkers.

The two teams will play the second game of a doubleheader tonight in Alexandria. Stennis is scheduled to be the starting pitcher for the Honkers (15-13,) while Spencer Koopmans is slated to start for the Blue Anchors (6-21.)

June 26, 2013

Rox Get Walk Off Win Over Honkers

(Rochester, MN)—For the second consecutive night, the St. Cloud Rox handed the Rochester Honkers a late heartbreaking loss as they defeated the Honkers 8-7 in 11 innings on Wednesday June 26 at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud, MN.

Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) picked up his first hit of the night in the top of first inning as he singled with one out. He later scored on a two-out double from Alex Greer (Iowa Western) to give the Honkers an early 1-0 lead. With the hit, Burgess extended his hitting streak to 14 games.

Tim Colwell singled with one out in the bottom half of the first and later scored on a single by Charlie Morgan to tie the game at 1-1 after the first inning. Burgess and Tyler Baker (Wichita State) started the top of the third inning with back-to-back singles. Burgess scored on a groundout from Greer, while Baker came in on a bases loaded walk drawn by Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) to give Rochester a 3-1 lead.

St. Cloud got one run back in its half of the third inning, but Burgess responded with a solo homerun, his third of the season, over the left field fence to give Rochester a 4-2 lead after three and a half innings. Clay Williamson was hit by a pitch to start the bottom of the fourth inning and Brad Strong singled to put the tying run on base with no outs. Both runners advanced a base on a sacrifice bunt by Devin Pearson. Blake Headley followed with a two-run single to tie the game. Headley later scored on a RBI single from Colwell to give the Rox a 5-4 lead after four innings.

Burgess and Baker started the top half of the sixth inning with a pair of singles and both runners came around to score on a double from Greer as the Honkers regained the lead at 6-5. Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania) started his first inning of work in the bottom of the seventh by hitting Adam Martin and walking Morgan. Luke Weber followed with a single to center field, and Martin scored on an error by Greer on the play, but Schwarzbach was able to retire the next three batters and keep the score tied at 6-6.

Rochester starting pitcher Matt Kent (Texas A&M) allowed five runs, four earned, on nine hits in six innings. Rox starting pitcher Kyle Davis allowed four runs on eight hits in four innings of work.

Schwarzbach and Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) worked out of jams in the eighth and ninth innings to force a tenth inning. Campbell led the inning off by drawing a walk, Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) followed with a single to put runners on the corners with just one out. Burgess reached on a fielder’s choice to score Tucker Tharp (Kansas,) who was pinch-running for Campbell, to take the 7-6 lead.

Colwell, Martin, and Dylan Breshears delivered consecutive one-out singles for St. Cloud in the bottom of the tenth inning to tie the game at 7-7 and force an 11th inning. Clay Williamson drew a lead-off walk to start the bottom of the 11th inning and scored the game-winning run on a two-out walk-off single by Blake Headley.

Fuller took the loss (2-1) for the Honkers, while Adam Maxon picked up the win (2-1) for the Rox. Burgess led the Rochester offense by going 4-for-6 with a homerun, two RBI, and four runs scored. Greer added three RBI and a pair of doubles on the night.

Rochester (15-12) will continue its eight-game road trip with a doubleheader in Alexandria with the Alexandria Blue Anchors on Thursday June 27. Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) is scheduled to start the first game, beginning at 6:05 p.m., and Brandon Stennis (Doane College) is slated to make the start in the second game. Both games will be seven innings. The doubleheader will begin a three-game series in Alexandria before a three-game series in Willmar before the Honkers return home to Mayo Field to host the Rox on Tuesday July 2 at 7:05 p.m.

June 25, 2013

Rox Score Late Run to Defeat Honkers

(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers began an eight-game road trip with a 3-2 loss to the St. Cloud Rox on Tuesday June 25, at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud, MN.
Chris Paul, Tim Colwell, and Adam Martin delivered consecutive singles in the bottom of the third inning to spark a two-run inning for the Rox to take a 2-0 lead after three innings of play. The two runs, one earned, were allowed by Honkers starting pitcher Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State.) Spitzack allowed five hits and struck out three in 5.2 innings. Rox starting pitcher Michael Healey pitched two scoreless innings.
Reid Roper (Illinois) and Kevin Barker (UC Davis) led off the top of the fifth inning with back-to-back singles and a sacrifice bunt from Jarad Watts (Bethel University) moved both runners up. Roper scored on a sacrifice fly from Tucker Tharp (Kansas) to cut the St. Cloud lead in half.

Roper picked up his third hit of the game with a lead-off double in the top of the seventh inning. Barker moved him over to third on a sacrifice bunt and he later scored on a second sacrifice fly from Tharp to tie the game at 2-2. Roper led the Honkers offense by going 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

Martin drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the eighth for St. Cloud and was lifted for pinch-runner Clay Williamson. Williamson advanced to second base on a single by Luke Weber, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored when Charlie Morgan reached on a fielder’s choice to regain a late 3-2 lead for St. Cloud.

Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) took the loss (1-1) for the Honkers. He allowed one run on one hit in 2.2 innings of relief. Reese Gregory picked up the win (1-0) for the Rox as he pitched a scoreless eighth inning in relief. Adam Maxon struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn his third save of the season.

The two teams will finish up the two-game series Wednesday June 26 at 7:05 p.m. in St. Cloud. Matt Kent (Texas A&M) is slated to make the start for Rochester (15-11,) while Kyle Davis (Colorado Mesa University) is scheduled to start for St. Cloud (11-16.) After the series with the Rox, the Honkers will play three games in Alexandria and three games in Willmar before returning home to Mayo Field to host the Rox on Tuesday, July 2.

June 23, 2013

Huskies Use Big 12th Inning to End Honkers Winning Streak

(Rochester, MN)— The Duluth Huskies scored eight runs in the top of the 12th inning of a 10-2 win over the Rochester Honkers on Sunday, June 23 at Mayo Field. The loss for the Honkers ended an eight-game win streak.

The Huskies grabbed an early lead thanks to a two-out RBI double from Nick Saathoff in the top of the second inning. The run, unearned, was the only one allowed by Honkers starting pitcher Derrick Hadley (Sam Houston State.) He allowed three hits in four innings while striking out four batters.

Reid Roper (Illinois) started the bottom of the fourth inning with a double to the left-center field gap. He scored on a single from Kevin Barker (UC Davis) to tie the game. Barker would later score on a two-out single from Kalei Hanawhaine (Hawaii) to put Rochester ahead 2-1 after four innings.

Saathoff drew a walk to start the Duluth half of the fifth inning and scored on a wild pitch by Honkers relief pitcher Hayden Edwards (Kansas) to tie the score at 2-2. Edwards allowed one run in his inning of relief, while Alex Tenorio (Menlo College,) Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College,) and Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) combined to pitch four scoreless innings in relief to keep the score tied through eight and a half innings of play. Huskies starting pitcher Luke Vandermaten allowed two runs on six hits in 6.2 innings.

The Huskies had the go-ahead runner on second base in the top of the ninth inning, but Tyler Baker (Wichita State) took away a hit and a RBI away from Kyle Teaf with a diving stop and throw to first base to end the threat. Hanawahine drew a one-out walk in the bottom half of the ninth inning, but was left at first base; so the game headed to extra innings.

Campbell added a second scoreless inning, before being relieved by Stephen Paladino (Felician College.) Paladino pitched a scoreless top of the eleventh in his first inning of work. Matt Halloran (Minnesota) started the bottom half of the eleventh inning with a single to left field and Barker was hit by a pitch to give the Honkers a pair of base-runners with no outs. Nate Carter was able to retire the next three batters and leave both runners in scoring position and force a 12th inning.

Paladino walked Conor Szczerba to start the top of the 12th inning, Teaf followed with a bunt single and both runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt. After an intentional walk to load the bases, Christopher Harvey drew a four-pitch walk to give Duluth a 3-2 lead. Michael Suiter delivered a two-run double to give the Huskies a three-run lead. Brad Wilson added a two-run double later in the inning to cap off the eight run inning.

Paladino took the loss (0-2) for the Honkers. He allowed eight runs on three hits in 1.2 innings. Carter picked up the win (3-1) for the Huskies. He allowed two hits in 3.2 scoreless innings. Alex Greer (Iowa Western) led the Honkers offense with three hits on the day. Hanawahine added a pair of hits, a RBI, and a run scored on the day.

Rochester (15-10) will enjoy its first scheduled off day of the season on Monday before beginning an eight-game road trip on Tuesday, June 23. The road trip features eight games in seven days in St. Cloud, Alexandria, and Willmar. Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) is scheduled to start for the Honkers. Rochester will return home to Mayo Field on Tuesday, July 2, when the St. Cloud Rox come to town for a two-game series. Both games are scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m.

June 22, 2013

Honkers Offense Explodes For 12 Runs in Shortened Game

(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers bats waited patiently through two delays to explode in a 12-3 win in four and a half innings over the Duluth Huskies on Saturday June 22 at Mayo Field.

After a rain delay of over 90 minutes, Duluth jumped ahead to an early lead in the top half of the first inning with a pair of unearned runs off of Rochester starting pitcher Brandon Stennis (Doane College.) Stennis allowed the two unearned runs on five hits in two innings.

Alex Greer (Iowa Western) led off the bottom half of the second inning by reaching on an error by Huskies shortstop Kyle Teaf. The game was then delayed for another 15 minutes due to the lightning beyond the center field fence. Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton) drew a walk and Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) and Kevin Barker (UC Davis) each picked up a RBI to tie the score at 2-2. With the bases loaded and no outs, Jarad Watts (Bethel University) delivered a two-run double down the right field line to give Rochester a 4-2 lead. Greer capped off the eight-run inning with a two-run homerun, his team-leading fifth of the season, to put the Honkers ahead 8-2.

Duluth loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the third inning, but Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) got Alex Wojciechowski to ground into a double play; and the Huskies scored just one unearned run in the inning. Pingel allowed two hits in three innings of relief to earn his second win (2-2) of the season. Phillip Wilson was the losing pitcher for Duluth, as he allowed six runs on three hits in one-plus innings of work.

Tucker Tharp (Kansas) added a two-run homerun, his second of the season, in the bottom of the third inning as a part of a three-run inning and the Honkers led 11-2. Rochester loaded the bases and scored another run in its half of the fifth inning, but the lightning ended the rally and the game; as the game was ruled official after four and a half innings. Tharp finished the game with three RBI.

Watts led the Honkers offense by going 3-for-3 with two runs scored and a pair of RBI. Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University) and Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) each picked up a pair of hits on the night. With the hits, Burgess has now hit safely in all 12 games with the Honkers this season.

The two teams will finish a two-game series on Sunday June 23 at 1:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Derrick Hadley (Sam Houston State) is slated to make the start for Rochester (15-9,) while Luke Vandermaten (Iowa Central Community College) is scheduled to start for Duluth (12-13.) The Honkers will look to extend their eight-game winning streak before heading out on an eight-game road trip over seven days beginning on Tuesday, June 25. The Honkers will be in St. Cloud, Alexandria, and Willmar on the road trip.
 

June 21, 2013

Honkers Continue to Play While Roster Takes Shape

(Rochester, MN)—Through the first three weeks of the 2013 season, the Rochester Honkers have seen many faces come and go, but have still managed to stay above the .500 mark and compete for a first-half season title.

Nine members of the 2013 Honkers roster got the call from the 2013 First-Year Player Draft in early-June. Chad Wallach (Cal State Fullerton,) DJ Snelten (Minnesota,) Kenny Mathews (Riverside City Community College,) and Cole Wiper (Oregon) were all selected in the first ten rounds of the draft and signed without putting on a Honkers uniform in 2013.

Toby Thomas (Pensacola State,) selected in the 21^st round by the Chicago White Sox, and Jordan Milbrath (Augustana College,) in the 35^th round by the Cleveland Indians, each signed their professional contracts after making contributions for Rochester this season. Thomas hit .216 with 4 RBI and three stolen bases in 12 games as the Honkers shortstop. He also made one appearance on the mound. Milbrath, who was in his second season with the team, went 0-2 with one save while compiling an 8.47 ERA.

The draft was not the source to take players from the Honkers roster, as Steve Serratore (Des Moines Area Community College) and Elliott Engle (Doane College) were both shut down due to injuries. Serratore, the Austin, MN native, was shut down by the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine because of an injury to his right arm. In 11 games with the Honkers, Serratore hit .278 with a homerun. Engle saw his third season in Rochester cut short after experiencing soreness in his shoulder. He made four appearances on the season, posting a 1.42 ERA in 12.2 innings.

The signings and injuries have opened the door for four players who signed temporary contracts and will be extended to full-time players. Pitchers Brandon Stennis (Doane College,) Alex Tenorio (Menlo College,) and West Concord, MN native, Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) have all earned a roster spot as they all have an ERA under 3.20 this season. Catcher Matt Halloran (Minnesota) will be extended from a temporary player to a full-time player for a second consecutive season.

Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) has also returned for a fourth summer with the Honkers. Dolsky allowed just one unearned run on four hits in four innings in his first start of the season. Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton) has also joined the Honkers roster due to Serratore and Wallach leaving. Deacon, a back-up to Wallach at Cal State Fullerton, has drove in four runs in his first two games for Rochester.

As the roster continues to form, the players on the field will look to continue the recent success of a seven-game winning streak and climb in the North Division standings.

June 20, 2013

Pomeroy's Slam Lifts Honkers to Seventh Consecutive Win

(Rochester, MN)— Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University) belted a grand slam in the seventh inning to break a tie and lead the Rochester Honkers to a 9-4 win over the Alexandria Blue Anchors on Thursday June 20 at Knute Nelson Memorial Park in Alexandria, MN.

Tyler Baker (Wichita State) started a two-out rally for the Honkers in the top of the first inning with a single to center field. Alex Greer (Iowa Western) reached when he was hit by a pitch and Pomeroy followed with a RBI single to bring in Baker and claim an early 1-0 lead.

Aaron Overbeck, of Alexandria, reached on a throwing error by Rochester shortstop Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) to start the bottom of the third inning and scored on a two-out from Keegan Dale to tie the game at 1-1. The run, unearned, was the only run allowed by Honkers starting pitcher Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State.) Dolsky, who made his first start of the season, struck out six and allowed four hits and no walks in four innings.

Greer reached first on a dropped third strike to start the top of the fourth inning, stole second base, and scored on a single from Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton) as the Honkers re-claimed the lead. Rochester added to its lead in the top of the sixth inning when Greer singled, stole second again, and scored on an error committed by Alexandria second baseman, Dale.

The Blue Anchors responded with a pair of runs, thanks to RBI from Aaron Gretz and Aaron Overbeck in their half of the sixth inning to tie the game at 3-3. Spencer Koopmans, the starting pitcher for Alexandria, took a no decision as he allowed three runs on six hits in six innings of work.

Reid Roper (Illinois) led off the top of the seventh inning with a single and Baker and Greer each drew a two-out walks to set up Pomeroy’s grand slam to give the Honkers a 7-3 lead after six and a half innings of play. Rochester added a pair of runs in the eighth inning as Roper and Burgess each picked up RBI singles to extend the lead to 9-3. With the single, Burgess extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

Alexandria got one run back in the eighth inning, but Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania) was able to strand a pair of runners and keep the lead safe at five runs heading into the ninth. Schwarzbach pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his third save of the season. He allowed one run on three hits in three innings while striking out five. Alex Tenorio (Menlo College) picked up the win (2-0) in relief for Rochester as he allowed two runs on one hit in two innings. Mickie Kuening took the loss (0-1) for Alexandria. He allowed four runs on two hits in one inning.

Pomeroy finished the game going 2-for-5 with five RBI. Tucker Tharp (Kansas) added three hits on the night. Roper also collected a pair of hits while driving in one and scoring once.

Rochester (14-9) will look to extend its seven-game winning streak on Friday June 21 at 7:05 p.m. in Alexandria (4-18.) Brandon Stennis (Doane College) is slated to make the start for the Honkers. Friday’s game will be the last of a four-game road trip for the Honkers before returning home to Mayo Field to host the Duluth Huskies on Saturday June 22, at 7:05 p.m.
 

June 19, 2013

Honkers Cruise to Third Consecutive Series Sweep

(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers completed a third consecutive series sweep with a 10-1 win over the Thunder Bay Border Cats on Wednesday, June 19 at Subway Field in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) drew a leadoff walk in the top of the second inning and Tucker Tharp (Kansas) was hit by a pitch to start a rally for the Honkers. Kevin Barker (UC Davis) singled and Campbell scored on an error by the left fielder. Jarad Watts (Bethel) picked up a RBI as he grounded out and Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) delivered a two-out single to score the third run of the inning to give the Honkers an early 3-0 lead.

Tyler Baker (Wichita State) started the third inning by reaching on a walk, Tharp advanced him on a single; Baker would score on a RBI single from Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton) while Tharp scored his second run on the night on a single from Barker to give Rochester a 5-0 lead. The Honkers offense did not let up, as Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) led the top of the fourth inning off with a single. He stole second base and came around to score on a single by Alex Greer (Iowa Western.) Greer and Campbell each scored on a two-run single from Deacon to give Rochester a commanding 8-0 lead after three and a half innings. Deacon went 2-for-4 with three RBI in his first game with the Honkers.

Matt Kent (Texas A&M) complimented the Honkers offense with a second consecutive strong pitching performance. He earned the win (2-0) as he allowed five hits in his six shutout innings, while collecting four strikeouts. Matt Blackham (0-2) took the loss for the Border Cats. He allowed five runs on four hits in 2.2 innings.

Rochester added a pair of runs on a two-run double from Hanawahine in the top of the eighth to extend its lead to 10-0. Thunder Bay got on the board in its half of the eighth inning with a run off of Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College.) Fuller allowed three hits in his two innings of work, while Campbell struck out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

Hanawahine picked up three RBI on the night, while Greer and Burgess each finished the game going 3-for-6. Tharp scored three times in the game, while Barker and Campbell each came around to score twice.

Rochester (13-9) will look to extend its six-game winning streak in a two-game series with the Alexandria Blue Anchors, before returning home to Mayo Field on Saturday June 22 to host the Duluth Huskies. Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) is scheduled to make his first start of the season for the Honkers in Alexandria on Thursday June 20, at 7:05 p.m.

June 18, 2013

Honkers Stay Hot With Win Over Border Cats

(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers extended its winning streak to five games with a 7-3 win over the Thunder Bay Border Cats on Tuesday, June 18, at Subway Field in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) got things started early for the Honkers as he led off the top half of the first inning with a double. Alex Greer (Iowa Western) delivered a two-out double to bring Hanawahine in and grab an early 1-0 lead. The inning ended with Greer being thrown at home plate on a single from Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University.) Hanawahine and Pomeroy each picked up two hits on the night for Rochester.

Philip Lyons, Dylan Becker, and Tyler Duplantis started the bottom of the fourth inning with consecutive singles. Lyons and Becker scored in the inning to give the Border Cats a 2-1 lead after four complete innings. The two runs, just one earned, were the only runs allowed by Honkers starting pitcher Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State.) Eppler allowed five hits in his six innings of work to earn his first win (1-0) of the season.

Kevin Barker (UC Davis) drew a one-out walk in the top of the fifth inning, Matt Halloran (Minnesota) and Hanawahine each followed with singles to set up a bases loaded plate appearance for Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State.) Burgess walked to score Barker to tie the game. The Honkers added three more runs thanks to a bases loaded walk to Tyler Baker (Wichita State) and a two-run single from Greer to build a 5-2 lead. Greer led the Rochester offense by going 3-for-5 with 3 RBI.

A two-run triple from Barker with two outs in the eighth inning gave the Honkers two insurance runs. Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth, but was able to escape with just one run allowed thanks to a timely double play. Rochester turned four double plays on the night. Spitzack earned his first save in his first relief appearance of the season. He allowed one run on two hits in three innings. Clint Knoblauch took the loss (0-3) for Thunder Bay. He allowed five runs on seven hits in five innings.

The two teams will finish a two-game series on Wednesday June 19 at Subway Field at 6:05 p.m. (Central Time.) Matt Kent (Texas A&M) is slated to make the start for Rochester (12-9), while Matt Blackham (Johnson County College) is scheduled to start on the mound for Thunder Bay (8-13.)

June 17, 2013

Honkers Complete Perfect Home Stand

(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers completed an undefeated four-game home stand with a 12-2 win over the Alexandria Blue Anchors on Monday afternoon at Mayo Field.

The Blue Anchors grabbed an early lead as they scored a run in the top of the second inning, but the Honkers answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning. Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University) drew a one-out walk and Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) tripled off of the batter’s eye in center field to tie the game. Campbell came around to score a single from Kevin Barker (UC Davis) to give the Honkers a lead they would not lose.

Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) belted his second homerun in as many days to increase Rochester’s lead to 3-1 in the third inning. Alexandria scored their second run in the top of the fifth inning, but Rochester answered with three more in its half of the inning. Jarad Watts (Bethel University) singled to start the inning and scored on a RBI single from Tyler Baker (Wichita State.) Alex Greer (Iowa Western) followed with a two-run homerun to make the score 6-2. Like Burgess, he homered in a second consecutive game. He now has a team-leading four homeruns on the season.

Ross Slaney walked four consecutive Honkers hitters to start the top half of the eighth inning. With the bases loaded. Watts drove a sacrifice fly to the center field warning track and Burgess, Baker, and Greer all delivered RBI hits to fuel a six-run inning and increased the Honkers lead to double digits at 12-2.

Derrick Hadley (Sam Houston State) picked up his second win (2-0) of the season as he allowed two runs on eight hits in six innings. Cameron Mingo took the loss (1-2) as he allowed six runs on eight hits in five innings. Quinn Carpenter (Iowa Western) and Alex Tenorio (Menlo College) combined to pitch three scoreless innings in relief for the Honkers.

Rochester (11-9) will travel north of the border as they look to extend the four-game winning streak against the Thunder Bay Border Cats on Tuesday June 18 at 6 p.m. (Central Time.) Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) is scheduled to start for the Honkers. Rochester will return home on Saturday June 22 to host the Duluth Huskies for a two-game series.
 

June 16, 2013

Honkers Use Bats in Win Over Blue Anchors

(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers picked up a third consecutive victory as they were able to outlast the Alexandria Blue Anchors in a 12-11 win on Sunday at Mayo Field.

Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) singled in the bottom of the first inning and advanced all the way to third base on a wild pick-off attempt. Tyler Baker (Wichita State) followed with a RBI single to score Burgess and give the Honkers an early 1-0 lead.

The Blue Anchors responded quickly as Tim Cusick belted his first of three two-run homeruns on the day to take a 2-1 lead. Cusick lined his second homerun over the right field fence in the top of the fourth inning and Alexandria led 5-1 after three and a half innings.

Jeff Campbell (North Dakota,) Reid Roper (Illinois,) and Kevin Barker (UC Davis) all singled with one out in the bottom of the fourth inning to set up a bases clearing double for Tucker Tharp (Kansas.) Burgess followed with a RBI double to score Tharp and tie the score at 5-5 after four innings of play.

The Blue Anchors regained the lead at 7-5 by scoring a pair of runs in the top of the fifth inning. All seven runs were charged to Honkers starting pitcher Jordan Milbrath (Augustana College.) Milbrath allowed five hits in his 4.2 innings of work. Alexandria’s starting pitcher, Colin Wendinger (St. Thomas-MN) allowed five runs on ten hits in his four innings.

The Honkers regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning thanks to a pair of homeruns. Burgess launched a three-run homerun to take the lead at 8-7 and Alex Greer (Iowa Western) added a two-run blast to give Rochester a 10-7 lead after six innings. Burgess and Greer were two of the four Honkers with multiple RBI in the game. Greer had two, Burgess drove four in, and Baker and Tharp each collected three runs batted in.

Cusick brought the Blue Anchors to within one run as he drove his third homerun of the game over the right field fence in the top of the seventh inning. The Honkers were able to get the runs back in their half of the seventh inning. Barker singled with one out, Tharp walked, and both runners came around to score on one-out single by Baker. Barker added three hits in his second game with the Honkers.

Alexandria would not go down easy, as they scored two runs in the top of the eighth inning, but Stephen Paladino (Felician College) retired Cusick on a groundball to end the inning and left the go-ahead runner on base. Paladino earned his first save of the season as he struck out three batters in 1.2 scoreless innings. Brandon Stennis (Doane College) picked up the win (1-1) as he allowed four runs on five hits in three innings in relief. Ty Walker took the loss (0-1) for the Blue Anchors. He allowed four runs on two hits in one inning out of the Alexandria bullpen.

Rochester (10-9) will look to complete a perfect four-game home stand as they finish up the series with Alexandrian (4-13) on Monday June, 17 at 1:05 p.m. Derrick Hadley (Sam Houston State) is slated to make his second start of the season for the Honkers. Cameron Mingo (Princeton) is scheduled to be on the mound for the Blue Anchors.

June 15, 2013

Barker Provides Dramatics in First Game with Honkers

(Rochester, MN)— Kevin Barker (UC Davis) made a huge impact in his first game with the Rochester Honkers as he delivered a walk-off two run single in a 7-6 win over the Thunder Bay Border Cats on Saturday at Mayo Field.

Border Cats starting pitcher Ryan Atwood loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth inning as he walked Tucker Tharp (Kansas) and Matt Halloran (Minnesota) and hit Reid Roper with a pitch. Barker delivered a two-run single for his first hit of the season to put the Honkers ahead 2-0. Atwood allowed two runs on two hits, while walking five, in 3.2 innings.

Dylan Becker drew a walk to start the top of fourth inning for Thunder Bay. He later stole second and scored on a single from Tyler Duplantis. The run was the only one allowed by Rochester starting pitcher Jon Woodcock (Crowder Junior College) in his five innings of work. He struck out five batters and allowed just two hits.

Rochester got the run back in the bottom of the fifth inning when Roper singled to center field with two outs in the inning to score Jeff Campbell (North Dakota.) Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) drove a RBI double to the right-center field gap to score Barker, who walked to start the inning. Hanawahine moved over to third on a sacrifice bunt by Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) and scored on a sacrifice fly from Tyler Baker (Wichita State) to give the Honkers a 5-1 lead after six innings of play.

The Border Cats clawed back from the 5-1 deficit thanks in large part to a pair of homeruns from Jason Vosler and Jacob Rogers to take a 6-5 lead into the bottom of the ninth.

Campbell started the bottom of the ninth inning with a single to right center field and Tucker Tharp (Kansas) followed with a single. Halloran moved both runners over with a sacrifice bunt and Roper was intentionally walked to load the bases to set up the dramatic moment for Barker. Barker singled over the shortstop and Tharp scored from second base to send the crowd at Mayo Field into a frenzy.

Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) earned the win (2-0) as he allowed one run on one hit in one inning of relief. Matt Blackham took the loss (0-1) for the Border Cats. He allowed two runs on five hits in 2.1 innings. Barker led the Honkers offense with a pair of hits and four RBI. Campbell and Tharp also added two hits each for Rochester.

Rochester (9-9) continues its four-game home stand as it will host the Alexandria Blue Anchors on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. Jordan Milbrath (Augustana College) is slated to start for the Honkers, while Jamie Ritchie (Belmont) is scheduled to start for the Blue Anchors.

June 15, 2013

Serratore Shut Down For Summer

(Rochester, MN)— Rochester Honkers catcher Steve Serratore (Des Moines Area Community College) has been shut down for the remainder of the summer by the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine because of an injury to his right arm.

Serratore hit .278 with one homerun and four runs scored in his 11 games with the Honkers this season.

“I had a great couple of weeks with the team,” Serratore said. “We have a great group of guys who I really respected as guys and players. We were able to be competitive while keeping things loose and having fun.”

As disappointed as he was to see his season end so unexpectedly, Serratore knows his future is too important to risk.

Ensuring that he is healthy and ready for the fall season is a top priority, as he is currently being courted by a number of prominent Division I programs.

“I was disappointed,” Serratore said, “but at the same time I knew what I needed to do; which was rest and take it easy.”

Both the Honkers and Serratore are looking forward to seeing the Austin-native healthy and back on the field with Rochester in 2014.

“I talked to Mr. Litzinger and we talked about next year right away,” Serratore said. “We both agreed that it would be a great option.”

“Goofy things happen sometimes, so the important thing is how you respond,” Serratore added. “I will be ready to suit up again for the Honkers next season.”

June 14, 2013

Kent Dominant in Win over Thunder Bay

(Rochester, MN)— A dominant pitching performance and a pair of homeruns guided the Rochester Honkers to a 4-2 win over the Thunder Bay Border Cats on Friday at Mayo Field.

After being held without a hit for the first 3.2 innings by Thunder Bay starting pitcher John Hayes, Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) put the Honkers in the hit column and run column with one swing of the bat as he drove his first homerun of the season over the left field fence to give the Honkers a 1-0 lead. Two pitches later, Matt Halloran (Minnesota) hit his first homerun of the season, just left of the scoreboard in right-center field. The pair of homeruns were the first back-to-back homeruns for Rochester this season.

Campbell added a second RBI on the night in the bottom of the sixth inning when his double down the left field line scored Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University.) The Honkers added a second run in the inning when Jarad Watts (Bethel University) drew a bases loaded walk to score Connor Goedert (Neosho County Community College) to give Rochester a 4-0 lead after six innings. Campbell led the Honkers offense by going 2-for-4 with a pair of extra base hits, 2 RBI, and a run scored.

Alex Bautista’s homerun in the seventh inning put the Border Cats on the board. Matt Kent (Texas A&M) earned the win (1-0) in his first start of the season. He allowed one run on just three hits in seven innings of work. He struck out six batters on the night.

Thunder Bay added a run in the top of the eighth inning, but Reid Roper (Illinois) was able to hold the two-run lead as he struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn his first save of the season in his first appearance on the mound. Hayes took the loss for the Border Cats. He allowed four runs on four hits in 5.2 innings.

The two teams will finish the two game series on Saturday June 15 at Mayo Field at 7:05 p.m. Jon Woodcock (Crowder Junior College) is slated to make the start for Rochester (8-9.) Ryan Atwood (Florida Gulf Coast University) is scheduled to start for Thunder Bay (7-10.)

June 13, 2013

Honkers Late Rally Falls Short

(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers dropped the final game of a three-game series with the Waterloo Bucks as they were defeated 5-3 on Thursday at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA.

Waterloo got on the board first in the bottom of the first inning when John Ziznewski delivered a two-out RBI single to score Chesny Young from second base. The run was the first earned run allowed this season by Honkers starting pitcher Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State.)

Rochester bounced back quickly as Connor Goedert (Neosho County Community College) reached base with a one-out single and came around to score on a two-out single from Reid Roper (Illinois) to tie the game at 2-2.

The score remained even until the bottom of the sixth inning when Spitzack allowed a leadoff single to Jake Mahon. Mahon would later score on a double from Kyle Pollack to give the Bucks a 2-1 lead after six innings. Spitzack allowed two runs on seven hits in five innings. Alex Tenorio (Menlo College) finished the sixth inning, he allowed one hit and struck out one batter.

Alex Greer (Iowa Western) started the top of the eighth inning with a single. He advanced to third base on a pair of wild pitches and scored on a sharp single to center field off the bat of Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University) to tie the game at 2-2.

Waterloo responded with three runs off of Rochester relief pitcher Stephen Paladino (Felician College.) The three runs, just one earned, were enough to give Paladino his first loss (0-1) of the season. The Honkers mounted a rally of their own in the top of the ninth inning when Roper reached on an error, Tucker Tharp (Kansas) singled, and Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Greer. Greer hit a fly ball to center field that was trapped by the Bucks center fielder Marcos Calderon, but Burgess was thrown out on the play for the second out of the inning. Aaron Rhodes picked up the win for Waterloo as he struck out Tyler Baker (Wichita State) to end the game, leaving the tying runner on base. Rhodes allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits in two innings of relief.

Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) and Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) led the Honkers offense with two hits each.

Rochester (7-9) will return home to Mayo Field on Friday, June 14 as they will host the Thunder Bay Border Cats (7-9) at 7:05 p.m. to begin a four-game home stand. Matt Kent (Texas A&M) is slated to make his first start of the season for the Honkers, while John Hayes (Murray State) is scheduled to make his first start of the season for the visiting Border Cats.

June 12, 2013

Honkers Come Up Short on Road in Loss to Bucks

(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers fell behind early and never were able to get a lead in a 5-3 loss to the Waterloo Bucks on Wednesday afternoon at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA.

Honkers starting pitcher Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) walked the first three Waterloo batters of the game to load the bases for Waterloo’s Kevin Needham. Pingel got Needham to ground into a double play, but the Bucks scored the first run of the game on the play. Jake Mahon and John Ziznewski each followed with RBI base hits to give Waterloo a 3-0 lead after one inning.

Tucker Tharp (Kansas) delivered a two-out, two-run single to score Tyler Baker (Wichita State) and Reid Roper (Illinois) to cut the deficit to 3-2 after an inning and a half. With the pair of RBI, Tharp now has a team-high ten RBI on the season. The Honkers did more damage with two outs in the top of the fifth inning when Kalei Hanwahine (Hawaii) singled, stole second base, and scored on a single from Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) to tie the score at 3-3. Burgess led the Honkers offense with a pair hits and a RBI.

The Bucks responded in their half of the fifth inning with an RBI single from Mahon to score Pat McKenzie. They added an unearned run off of reliever Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania) in the bottom of the sixth to increase their lead to two runs at 5-3. Pingel took the loss (1-2) as he allowed four runs on six hits in 4.1 innings. Schwarzbach followed with 1.2 innings in relief without giving up an earned run and Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) pitched two scoreless innings out of the Rochester bullpen. Taylor Byrd earned the win (1-2) for the Bucks as he allowed three runs on five hits in six innings of work. Adam Dian picked up his third save of the season for Waterloo with a perfect ninth inning.

The two teams will finish a three-game series on Thursday June 13 at 6:35 p.m. at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA. Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) is slated to make his third start of the season for the Honkers (7-8.) He has a 0.00 ERA through 13 innings this season. TJ Renda (Alabama St.) is scheduled to start for Waterloo (9-5.) Rochester will return home to Mayo Field for a four-game home stand with Thunder Bay and Alexandria that begins on Friday June 14 at 7:05 p.m.

June 11, 2013

Big First Inning Leads Honkers to Win

(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers offense exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the first inning of an 8-2 win over the Waterloo Bucks on Tuesday June 11 at Mayo Field.

Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) started the Honkers half of the first inning by drawing a walk. He came around to score on a double from Alex Greer (Iowa Western) to put the first run on the board. Tyler Baker (Wichita State) followed with a walk to set up RBI singles from Connor Goedert (Neosho County Community College) and Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University) to give Rochester a 3-0 lead. Tucker Tharp (Kansas) and Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) each picked up RBIs later in the inning and the Honkers took advantage of a pair of errors committed by the Bucks defense to jump ahead to a seven-run advantage after just one inning of play. Waterloo starting pitcher Kyle Kramp allowed seven runs, four earned, while recording just one out.

Waterloo got on the board in the top of the second inning as Tyler Peyton grounded out to score Pat McKenzie. The run was scored off of Honkers starter Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State.) Eppler, who was announced the as the starting pitcher just an hour before the game started, allowed one run on three hits in three innings of work in his first start of the season.

The Honkers added a run in the bottom of the third when Burgess drove a double to deep center field to score Hanwahine with two outs in the inning. Hanwahine scored two runs on the night as he returned to the leadoff spot for Rochester.

Alex Tenorio (Menlo College) earned his first win (1-0) of the season for the Honkers. He allowed one run on four hits in four innings of work in relief. Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania) pitched a perfect eighth inning and Quinn Carpenter (Iowa Western) followed with a scoreless ninth inning.

Pomeroy led the Honkers offense by going 3-for-4 with a run scored and a RBI. Baker and Goedert each collected a pair of hits on the night.

Rochester (7-7) will travel to Waterloo (8-5) to play a pair of games to conclude the three-game series. Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) is slated to make the start for the 1:05 p.m. game on Wednesday June 12. Taylor Byrd (Nicholls St.) is the scheduled starter for the Bucks. The Honkers will return to Mayo Field for a four-game home stand with Thunder Bay and Alexandria that will begin on Friday, June 14.

June 10, 2013

New Honkers Shine in Victory

(Rochester, MN)— A trio of players wearing a Rochester Honkers uniform for the first time led the Honkers to a 4-3 win over the St. Cloud Rox on Monday, June 10 at Mayo Field.

Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) doubled off of the batter’s eye in center field in his first at-bat as a Honker in the bottom of the first inning. He scored on a groundball from Tyler Baker (Wichita State) to give Rochester an early 1-0 lead. Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon University) launched a homerun over the right field fence in his first at-bat in a Honkers uniform to make the lead 2-0 after two innings. Pomeroy finished the game going 2-for-4 with a homerun and a single.

Baker, also playing in his first game for the Honkers, added a second RBI in the third inning when he pulled a double down the right field line to score Alex Greer (Iowa Western) and Rochester held a 3-0 lead after three innings. Greer and Baker each collected a pair of hits on the night.

Rochester starter Derrick Hadley (Sam Houston State) began his first start of the season with five shutout innings. He allowed extra base hits to Chris Paul, Adam, Martin, and Christian Helsel in the sixth inning and St. Cloud cut its deficit to two runs at 3-2 after five and a half innings. Hadley allowed two runs on six hits in 5.2 innings to earn his first win (1-0) of the season.

Rochester added an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh inning when Burgess delivered a sacrifice fly to the left-center field warning track to score Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii.) Hanawahine drew a walk, stole second base, and advanced to third on an error to set up the sacrifice fly. Burgess went 1-for-3 with a double, a RBI, and a run scored. He was also robbed of a homerun by Rox left fielder Devin Pearson in the fifth inning.

Jordan Milbrath (Augustana College) earned his first save of the season as he pitched 3.1 innings in relief, allowing one unearned run and just one hit. Jason Hoppe took the loss (0-1) for St. Cloud. He allowed three runs on seven hits in six innings of work.

Rochester (6-7) will conclude a six-game home stand on Tuesday, June 11 at 7:05 p.m. when the Waterloo Bucks (8-4) come to town. Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) is scheduled to make the start for Rochester. Kyle Kramp (Butler) is slated to start for the Bucks. The Honkers will travel to Waterloo for games on Wednesday and Thursday before beginning a four-game home stand with Thunder Bay and Alexandria.

June 9, 2013

(Rochester, MN)— Adam Martin, of the St. Cloud Rox, drove a three-run homerun over the left field fence in the top of the 12th inning to lift the Rox to a 5-2 win over the Rochester Honkers Sunday, June 9, at Mayo Field. Due to the rain in the afternoon, the start of the game was delayed by three hours.

Brandon Stennis (Doane College) made the start, his third of the season, and struck out six St. Cloud hitters in three innings of work, while allowing just one hit. Jon Woodcock (Crowder Junior College) relieved him and ran into trouble in the top half of the fifth inning when he loaded the bases with no outs. He was able to keep the ball in the infield and hold keep the score tied at 0-0. Woodcock allowed two hits in his three shutout innings.

Toby Thomas (Pensacola State) started the Honkers half of the seventh inning with a single, he stole second base and came around to score on a single from Tyler Krekling (Riverland Community College) to give the Honkers a 1-0 lead after seven innings of lead after seven innings of play. Thomas added a RBI to his stat line in the eighth inning when he reached on a fielder’s choice to score Alex Greer (Iowa Western) and Rochester took a 2-0 lead into the ninth inning.

Christian Helsel and Dustin Breshears singled for St. Cloud in the ninth inning to set up a two-run, game-tying single with two outs from Devin Pearson to tie the game 2-2 and force extra innings. Pearson led the Rox offense by going 4-for-4.

The Honkers leadoff man reached base in each of the next three innings, but Rochester left a runner in scoring position in each inning and the game headed to a 12th inning. Pearson started the 12th inning with a bunt single for the Rox, pinch hitter Carlos Leal singled to set up Martin’s three-run go ahead homerun.

Thomas went 2-for-5 with a RBI and a run scored on the day. Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) led the Honkers offense with three hits. Stephen Paladino (Felician College) pitched two perfect innings in relief for Rochester. Hayden Edwards (Kansas) took the loss (1-1,) he allowed three runs in one inning of relief. Adam Maxon (1-1) earned the win with a pair of scoreless innings for St. Cloud.

The two teams will finish the two game series Monday, June 10 at Mayo Field. Derrick Hadley (Sam Houston State) is slated to make his first start of the season for Rochester (5-7.) Jason Hoppe (Minnesota State-Mankato) is also scheduled to make his first start of the season for St. Cloud (6-6.)

June 8, 2013

(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers were unable to complete a two-game sweep over the Thunder Bay Border Cats as they were defeated 3-1 on Saturday June 8, at Mayo Field.

The Honkers got on the board first when they scored a run in the bottom of the first inning without getting a hit. Tucker Tharp (Kansas) drew a walk to start the inning. He stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error by the Border Cats catcher, Jacob Rogers, and scored on a double steal. Alex Greer (Iowa Western) stole second base and Tharp beat the throw back to the plate to give Rochester an early 1-0 lead.

Honkers starting pitcher Elliott Engle (Doane College) turned in his best performance of the young season. He pitched six shutout innings, while allowing five hits and recording five strikeouts. Toby Thomas (Pensacola State) was the first to relieve Engle. He issued two walks and allowed a single to load the bases for Rogers with just one out in the top of the seventh inning. Rogers delivered with a bases clearing double down the left field line to give Thunder Bay a 3-1 lead after six and a half innings. The three runs allowed caused Thomas to take the loss in his first appearance on the mound this season.

Border Cats starting pitcher Daniel Stoney recorded just one out before leaving the game in the first inning with an injury. John Havird (1-1) picked up the win in relief. He allowed just three hits in seven scoreless innings for Thunder Bay.

Reid Roper (Illinois) drew a walk, Connor Goedert (Neosho County Community College) singled, and Steve Serratore walked to fill the bases for Matt Halloran (Minnesota) with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, but Halloran was struck out looking by Thunder Bay pitcher Michael Foster to end the inning.

Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College,) Stephen Paladino (Felician College,) and Hayden Edwards (Kansas) combined to pitch 2.2 scoreless innings in relief for the Honkers.

Rochester (5-6) will host the St. Cloud Rox (5-6) at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday, June 9th. Brandon Stennis (Doane College) is scheduled to make his third start of the season for the Honkers. Eric Nyquist is slated to start for the Rox.

June 7, 2013

Spitzack Shuts Down Border Cats

(Rochester,MN) – Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) pitched seven scoreless innings for the Rochester Honkers in a 9-0 win over the Thunder Bay Border Cats Friday June 7 at Mayo Field. With his performance, he is now 1-0 with an ERA of 0.00 in 13 innings this season for the Honkers.

Rochester got on the board first in the bottom half of the first inning when Connor Goedert (Neosho Community College) drove a double to the left field fence to score Tucker Tharp (Kansas) and Alex Greer (Iowa Western.) Goedert came up to bat with runners on the corners with one out in the third inning and missed a three-run homerun by just a couple of feet, but his drive was plenty deep enough to score Reid Roper (Illinois) for his third RBI on the night to give Spitzack and the Honkers a 3-0 lead.

Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) started the bottom half of the sixth inning off by being hit by a pitch. He later came around to score on a wild pitch during Roper’s bases loaded at-bat. Later in the plate appearance, Roper picked up his first RBI of the season when he reached on a fielder’s choice. With the two runs, the Honkers build their lead to 5-0 after six innings.

Matt Halloran (Minnesota,) Tharp, and Roper each drew walks in the eighth inning to load the bases for Greer. Greer delivered with a grand slam—his second homerun in as many nights–over the left field fence to blow the game open for the Honkers, making the lead 9-0 after eight innings. Greer finished the game going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBI.

Derrick Hadley (Sam Houston State) followed Spitzack’s lead by pitching two shutout innings in relief to seal the win for Rochester. Spitzack allowed six hits in his seven innings of work, while collecting four strikeouts. Clint Knoblauch took the loss for Thunder Bay. He allowed three runs on three hits in 2.1 innings. He walked five batters and struck out one.

The two teams will finish up a two-game series Saturday, June 8, at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Elliott Engle (Doane College) is scheduled to make the start for Rochester (5-5,) while Daniel Stoney is slated to start for Thunder Bay (5-5.)

June 6, 2013

Honkers Suffer Fourth Straight Loss

(Rochester,MN) – The Rochester Honkers lost a fourth consecutive game as they came up short in a 3-1 loss to the Mankato MoonDogs Thursday night at Mayo Field.

After 3.2 scoreless innings, Rochester starter Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) allowed three consecutive two-out hits to Jake Ellison, David Masters, and Ryan Rosthenhausler and the MoonDogs struck first in the fourth inning. Pingel allowed another two-out run in the fifth inning when Jonathon Rodriguez’s line drive was misplayed by Honkers center fielder Alex Greer (Iowa Western) for a RBI triple to give Mankato a 2-0 lead after four and a half innings. Pingel (1-1) took the loss, allowing two runs, both earned, on five hits in 4.2 innings.

Rochester threatened to score in the bottom of the fourth inning when Connor Goedert (Neosho Community College) delivered his second single of the game with one out. Toby Thomas (Pensacola State) followed with a double to the left-center field gap, but he was thrown out when he rounded second base. Matt Halloran (Minnesota) grounded out to the shortstop to end the inning. Goedert, playing in his first game for the Honkers, was the only Rochester batter with multiple hits.

The MoonDogs picked up an insurance run in the eighth inning, again with two outs, when Jake Ellison walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a single from Masters. The RBI hit was Masters fourth hit on the night.

The Honkers got on the board in the bottom half of the eighth inning when Greer drove his first homerun over the left field fence. Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) tripled with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, but was thrown out at home plate when he tried to advance on a ball that got by MoonDogs catcher Matt Jones.

Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College,) Alex Tenorio (Menlo College,) and Hayden Edwards (Kansas) combined to pitch 4.1 innings in relief for Rochester. Brock Dykxhoorn earned the win (1-0) for Mankato. He pitched six scoreless innings and allowed four hits.

Rochester (4-5) will try to snap a four-game losing streak against Thunder Bay on Friday, June 7 at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) is slated to make his second start of the season for the Honkers. He did not allow an earned run in six innings last Sunday against Alexandria.

June 5, 2013

Honkers Suffer Third Straight Loss

(Rochester,MN) – The Rochester Honkers suffered a third consecutive loss as they fell to the Mankato MoonDogs 7-2 Wednesday at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato, MN.

Zach Zehner reached on an error committed by Honkers second baseman Jarad Watts (Bethel University) and came around to score on Chase Simpson's Northwoods League-leading fourth homerun of the season to give Mankato an early 2-0 lead. Jonathon Rodriguez reached on an error by Toby Thomas (Pensacola State) in the following at bat and came around to score later in the inning to increase the MoonDogs first inning lead to three runs.

College teammates Alex Greer and Quinn Carpenter (Iowa Western) teamed up to put the Rochester on the board in the fourth inning. Greer singled with out and advanced from first to third on a ground out before scoring on Carpenter's two-out single.

Honkers starting pitcher Jordan Milbrath (Augustana College) appeared to settle down after a shaky first inning. He retired 12 consecutive batters before walking Ryan Tuntland with two outs in the fifth inning. Krysthian Leal, Kendall Patrick, and Tim Lynch each followed with hits to give Mankato a 6-1 lead after five innings. Milbrath (0-2) took the loss, allowing six runs, four earned, in five innings. Cameron Giannini (1-0) picked up the win for Mankato. He allowed one run on six hits in six innings.

The Honkers scored a second run in the ninth inning when Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) singled with two outs to score Watts, who had walked earlier in the inning. Pitchers Stephen Paladino (Felician College) and Derrick Hadley (Sam Houston) each made their season debut in relief for the Honkers.

Greer led the offense for Rochester, going 3-for-4 with a run scored. Designated hitter Mitch Anderson (Rochester Community and Technical College added a pair of singles and a stolen base.

Rochester (4-4) will try to snap its three game losing streak when it hosts Mankato in the second game of a two-game series at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Mayo Field. Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) is slated to make his second start of the season after earning a victory last Saturday vs. Alexandria.

June 4, 2013

Honkers Lose Heart-Breaker to Willmar

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers suffered their first one-run loss of the 2013 season with a 3-2 loss to the Willmar Stingers Tuesday at Mayo Field.

The Stingers took an early lead in the top half of the second inning when Tyler Leffler lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to score Michael Suchy. The run was unearned because of a passed ball earlier in the inning that advanced Suchy to third base. The Honkers tied the game with an unearned run of their own in the bottom of the third when Jarad Watts (Bethel University) scored after a deep two-out fly ball from Matt Halloran (Minnesota) was lost and dropped by Suchy in right field.

Suchy drove a second double of the game to left field with one out in the fourth inning and came along to score with Zack Tillery on a two-run, two-out single from Karl Sorensen to give the Stingers a 3-1 lead after three and a half innings. The two runs were the first and only earned runs allowed by Honkers starting pitcher Brandon Stennis (Doane College) this season. Stennis (0-1) took the loss, he allowed three runs, two earned, on four hits in six innings.

Rochester answered with back-to-back doubles from Steve Serratore (Des Moines Area Community College) and Quinn Carpenter (Iowa Western) with one out in the bottom half of the fourth inning. Serratore scored on Carpenter’s double, but Carpenter was stranded at third base after a strike him out, throw him out double play ended the inning.

The run in the fourth was the last the Honkers would score off of Stingers starting pitcher Steven Brault. Brault picked up his second win of the season, pitching 6.2 innings, allowing two runs, one earned on four hits. He struck out 13 and did not walk a batter.

Rochester threatened to score when Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) drove a double to the left field fence to start the bottom of the eighth inning. Hanawahine stole third base, but was thrown out at home plate when he attempted to score from second base on the pitch that went to the back stop. The Honkers loaded the bases with just one out in the ninth inning, but pinch hitter Mitch Anderson (Rochester Community and Technical College) and Hanawahine were retired by Bobby McCormack to end the game.

Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania) pitched three perfect innings in relief for the Honkers. Serratore led the Rochester offense as the only player with two hits.

Rochester (4-3) will play in Mankato vs. the MoonDogs (2-5) Wednesday, June 5, at Franklin Rogers Park before returning home to Mayo Field for a six-game home stand starting Thursday June 6. Jordan Milbrath (Augustana College) is slated to make his second start of the season Wednesday in Mankato.

June 3, 2013

Honkers Lose First Home Game of Season to Willmar

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers were defeated 5-1 by Willmar at Mayo Field Monday night for their first home loss of the 2013 season.

Willmar scored in each of the first three innings to build an early 4-0 lead for starting pitcher TJ Whidby. The Stingers started the first inning with a walk and a single, but the Honkers turned their first of three double plays on the night to record the first two outs. Michael Suchy delivered with a two-out single on the following pitch to put the first run on the board. A single by Chris Barnett brought in two more runs in the second inning. The Stingers fourth run of the night came across when Suchy came around to score from second on an infield single that was stopped by a diving Toby Thomas (Pensacola State,) but Thomas’ throw was unable to get Suchy at home plate.

Willmar provided an insurance run in the fifth inning for Whidby (1-0,) who retired 14 consecutive batters before allowing a double to Mitch Anderson (Rochester Community and Technical College) in the eighth inning. He earned the win with 7.1 innings, allowing one run on five hits and striking out four.

Jon Woodcock (Crowder College) took the loss (1-1) for Rochester. He allowed five runs, three earned, in five innings of work. Elliott Engle (Doane College) had his best outing of the season as he pitched four scoreless inning in relief. He allowed three hits in his longest appearance of the season.

Tucker Tharp picked up a RBI for a third consecutive game when he delivered a two-out single to score Anderson in the eighth inning to put the Honkers on the board. Thomas led the Honkers offense with a pair of hits. He joined Anderson and Jarad Watts (Bethel University) as members of the Honkers with doubles.

Rochester (4-2) will host Willmar for the second game of a two game series Tuesday, June 4th, at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Brandon Stennis (Doane College) is slated to make his second start of the season for the Honkers. He stuck out ten batters in his first outing against Mankato.
 

June 2, 2013

Tharp and Serratore Power Honkers to Victory

(Rochester, MN)—A three-run homerun from Tucker Tharp (Kansas) in the bottom of the seventh inning propelled the Rochester Honkers to a thrilling 6-5 come from behind win over the Alexandria Blue Anchors Sunday afternoon at Mayo Field in Rochester, MN. The win was the first time this season where the Honkers came from behind to win.

Alexandria took advantage of a pair of Honker errors in the top half of the first inning to jump ahead to an early 2-0 lead. The 2-0 score lasted until the top of the sixth inning, when the Blue Anchors scored a third unearned run off of Rochester starting pitcher Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State.) Spitzack pitched six innings without an earned run and just four hits in his first appearance of the season.

Steve Serratore (Des Moines Area Community College) led off the bottom half of the sixth inning with a homerun over the right center field fence to cut the deficit to 3-1. The homerun was the first of the season for the Honkers. Alexandria second baseman Dalton Leuschke committed two errors to load the bases with no outs. Blue Anchors starter Colin Wendinger retired Tharp and Toby Thomas (Pensacola State,) but Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) delivered with a two-run single to tie the score at 3 after six innings. Wendinger took a no decision, allowing three runs, one earned, on four hits in 5.2 innings.

Hayden Edwards (Kansas) entered the game for the Honkers. He allowed a solo homerun to Kris Goodman on just his second pitch and the Blue Anchors took the lead at 4-3. Edwards was the eventual winning pitcher. He allowed the one run in two innings.

Tyler Krekling (Riverland Community College) and Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) drew consecutive one-out walks in the bottom of the seventh to set up Tharp’s three-run homerun over the left the field fence. Tharp led the Honkers with a second consecutive game with multiple hits and three RBI.

Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) entered the game in the ninth inning to earn the save. It did not come easy, though. Alexandria scored one run and had the tying run at first base when Hanawahine made a diving grab in the right field corner to record the final out and prevent the tying run to score.

Rochester (4-1) will host Willmar Monday June, 3 at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Jon Woodcock (1-0) is the expected starter for the Honkers.

June 1, 2013

Tharp Leads Honkers to Win in his First Game

(Rochester,MN) – Outfielder Tucker Tharp (Kansas) led the Rochester Honkers to a 7-6 win over the Alexandria Blue Anchors Saturday night at Mayo Field in Rochester, MN. Tharp made a big impact in his first game as a Honker by going 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

Tharp got things started for the Honkers in the bottom of the first inning with a one-out single to center field. Toby Thomas (Pensacola State,) the next batter, was hit by a pitch and the Honkers had two runners on. Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) walked to fill the bases for catcher Matt Halloran (Minnesota.) Halloran got the job done with a sacrifice fly to bring in Tharp. Tharp’s run marked the third time in four games where the Honkers have scored in their half of the first inning.

Aaron Overbeck evened the score for the Blue Anchors with a two-out run-scoring double in the second inning. Rochester broke the tie in its half of the second inning when Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) drove a two-run triple to center field to score Steve Serratore (Des Moines Area Community College) and Mitch Anderson (Rochester Technical and Community College.) Hanawahine later scored on a single from Tharp to give the Honkers a 4-1 lead after two innings.

After Alexandria scored an unearned run in the top of the fourth, Andrew Mulato drove a two-run homerun over the right field fence to tie the game at 4-4 after three and a half innings. Just as they did in the second inning, the Honkers responded with three runs of their own. Serratore led off the inning by drawing a four pitch walk and Hanawahine reached on a hit by pitch with two outs and both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch to set Tharp up with another RBI opportunity. Just as he did in the second inning, Tharp delivered. This time it was a two-run single to center field. He later stole second base—for the second time on the night—and scored on a single from Thomas to put Rochester ahead 7-4.

The three run lead was enough of a cushion for starter Mason Pingel, who settled down after allowing the homerun, and the Honkers bullpen. Pingel earned the win(1-0,) allowing four runs, three earned, on six hits in six innings while striking out two. Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania) picked up his second save of the season. He recorded the final two outs after entering the game with a 7-5 lead and the bases loaded in the top of the ninth.

The two teams will play the final game of the two game series Sunday June 2 at 1:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Logan Spitzack (St. Cloud State) is slated to make his first start of the season for Rochester (3-1.)
 

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May 31, 2013

Honkers Take First Loss of Season At Mankato

(Rochester,MN) – The Rochester Honkers failed to complete a three-game sweep over Mankato, as they were defeated by the MoonDogs 12-2 Friday night at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato, MN.

Mankato grabbed its first lead of the season in the bottom half of the first inning when Chase Simpson hit a three-run opposite field homerun to put the home team up 3-0 early.

The Honkers got one run back in the top of the fourth when Mitch Anderson (Rochester Technical and Community College) delivered with a two-out single to score Quinn Carpenter (Iowa Western.) but was then thrown out at second base to end the inning. It was the second time in four innings where the Honkers saw an inning end on the base paths.

Hibraim Cordova, of the MoonDogs, reached on what seemed to be a harmless one-out bunt single in the bottom of the fourth. Timothy Arakawa followed by reaching on an error and that was when Rochester starter Jordan Milbrath (Augustana College) lost control. He then walked the next three batters before allowing a two-out, two-run single to Zach Zehner. Cordova ended Milbrath’s night in the following inning by launching a two-run homerun giving Mankato a 9-1 lead. Milbrath, the losing pitcher (0-1) allowed nine runs on nine hits in 4.1 innings. He walked four in his first outing of the 2013 sesaon.

Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) drew a walk in the top of the sixth to give the Honkers an early base runner in the inning. Steve Serratore (Des Moines Area Community College) and Jarad Watts each followed with singles and Campbell eventually came around to score on a passed ball, but Serratore and Watts were left on base.

Mankato scored a run in each of the next three innings to add to its lead. Bryan Bonnell picked up the win for the MoonDogs. He allowed two runs on eight hits over 5.1 innings of work, striking out seven while walking three.

Watts led the Honkers offense, going 3-for-4. Elliott Engle (Doane College) and Carpenter worked a combined 3.2 innings of relief for Rochester.

Rochester (2-1) will return home Saturday, June 1, to host the Alexandria Blue Anchors in the first game of a two-game series. Mason Pingel (Western Illinois) is scheduled to start for Rochester.

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May 31, 2013

Fireworks Pushed Back to Saturday Night

(Rochester,MN) – Due to the two-hour rain delay and the lateness of the Thursday night home opener, the Rochester Honkers were forced to push back its scheduled fireworks extravaganza to Saturday, June 1, after the home game against the Alexandria Blue Anchors.

Last night’s fireworks were rescheduled in respect of families and those who live near Mayo Field, as the game did not end until almost 1 a.m. Saturday’s fireworks will start upon the completion of the game vs. Alexandria. The game is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m.

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May 31, 2013

Honkers Win Home Opener in Dramatic Fashion

(Rochester,MN) – Toby Thomas (Pensacola State) stole his way around the bases to give Rochester a dramatic 3-2 win in 12 innings to defeat Mankato in the Honkers season opener that ended early Friday morning at Mayo Field in Rochester, MN.

Thomas drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the 12th inning, he later stole second and third base and came around to score on a wild throw that sailed into left field to give Rochester its second consecutive win to start the season.

After a two-hour and five-minute rain delay, the Honkers and MoonDogs were able to start after 9 p.m. Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) started the bottom half of the first inning by lacing a double down the right field line. Matt Halloran (Minnesota) followed with a single that bounced off of first base and into right field to score Hanawahine. Mankato starting pitcher, Shane Henderson did not make it through the first inning. The 6’7” right-hander has already underwent Tommy John surgery, so he was pulled after showing discomfort after just 14 pitches.

Matt Jones reached on a Thomas error to start the MoonDogs half of the second. Zach Zehner followed up by also reaching on an error by pitcher Brandon Stennis (Doane College) to put runners on the corners with no outs. Stennis managed to get out of the inning with the score tied at one. Stennis allowed just the one unearned run on four hits in six innings of work. He struck out ten and walked just one batter.

The score remained knotted at one until the bottom half of the fifth inning. Mitch Anderson (Rochester Community and Technical College) started the inning by walking on four pitches. He came around to score on a double to the left-center field gap by Halloran to put the Honkers ahead by a score of 2-1.

Alex Tenorio (Menlo College) pitched two perfect innings before Jones reached on an error by Steve Serratore at third base to start the top of the ninth inning. Jones advanced to second, stole third, and came in to score the tying run—his second of the game—after a sacrifice fly by Jake Ellison. Tenorio struck avoided further damage by recording a strikeout to end the inning. Tenorio did not allow a hit and struck out six batters in three innings.

Seth Fuller (Black Hawk College) picked up the win (1-0) for the Honkers. He worked three scoreless innings in relief, allowing three hits while striking out three. Rochester’s pitching staff fanned 19 MoonDogs on the night. Mike Novak took the loss for Mankato, he allowed one unearned run in 1.2 innings.

Halloran and Hanawahine led the Honkers offense. Halloran finished going 4-for-5 with a walk and Hanawahine delivered a pair of doubles.

Rochester (2-0) will look to complete the three-game sweep over Mankato on Friday, May 31, at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato. Jordan Milbrath (Augustana College) is slated to pitch for Rochester, while Bryan Bonnell is expected to start for Mankato.

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May 29, 2013

HONKERS OFFENSE EXPLODES IN SEASON OPENER

(Rochester, MN)-For the first time since 2009, Rochester was victorious in its season opener after defeating Mankato 11-4 Wednesday night at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato, MN.

The Honkers first inning started with Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) reaching on an error and a single from Matt Halloran (Minnesota) to put runners on the corners with no outs. Toby Thomas (Pensacola State) and Quinn Carpenter (Iowa Western) each delivered RBI singles to take an early 2-0 lead.

Mankato got one run back in the bottom half of the first thanks to a bases loaded walk. Rochester starting pitcher Elliott Engle (Doane College) walked two batters and gave up a pair of hits in the inning, but allowed just the one run.

Engle’s night was cut short after one inning because he exceeded the league’s 35-pitch limit in the first inning.

A pair of MoonDogs errors and a RBI single from Halloran led to two more runs for Rochester in the top of the second to build a 4-1 lead after an inning and a half.

Carpenter delivered with a one-out double in the third to spark a third consecutive two-run inning for the Honkers. Hanawahine and Mitch Anderson (Rochester Community and Technical College) picked up one RBI each in the inning to give the Honkers a 6-1 lead after just two and a half innings of play.

Anderson had a memorable beginning to his Northwoods League Career after getting hits in his first three at-bats. He finished the game going 3-for-5 with two runs scored out of the No.9 spot.

Rochester added four unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth to bust the game open and increase its lead to 10-2.

Jon Woodcock (Crowder College) picked up the win (1-0) for the Honkers after pitching four innings in relief. He allowed just one run on four hits while striking out five.

Jonathan Rodriguez, for Mankato, drove a two-run double to deep left field off of Honker pitcher Brian Schwarzbach (Pennsylvania) to cut the MoonDogs deficit to six runs at 10-4 after six innings.

Rochester responded with a run in the seventh when Halawahine singled and came around to score on a wild pitch.

Rob Cerfolio took the loss (0-1) for Mankato. He allowed six runs, just two earned, on six hits in three innings. He struck out three batters and walked one.

The two teams will play Friday, May 30, at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field for the Honkers home opener. A fireworks extravaganza will follow the game. Brandon Stennis (Doane College) is scheduled to be the starting pitcher for Rochester.

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May 17, 2013

HONKER NATION IS HERE!!!

(Rochester, MN)–Become a part of the Big Kid's Club, HONKER NATION presented by Legends Bar-n-Grill!

Participating is EASY!

Purchase a HONKER NATION T-Shirt for ONLY $20.00 at the Rochester Honkers Office, or Legends Bar-n-Grill, and get FREE STUFF at every Friday night that the Honkers have home games in 2013! That's FIVE (5) Games!

At the Honkers Game you'll get…………
-One FREE TAP BEER or large fountain soda
-One FREE Popcorn
-One FREE Speed Pitch/Game

At Legends Bar-n-Grill:
Take the short walk downtown after the game to Legends Bar-n-Grill and receive your first Bottle of Beer FREE!

This is a $66.00 Value for only $20 BUCKS!!

Wear your HONKER NATION T-Shirt, and show your punch card to get the free stuff at both locations.

Rochester Honkers Office: 307 E Center St, Rochester MN 55904
Legends Bar-n-Grill: 11 4th St SE, Rochester MN 55904
(on the river at Broadway & 4th St. SE)

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May 9, 2013

Honkers Shock adn Loope Roster

(Rochester, MN)–The Rochester Honkers Baseball club announced today the signing Tyler Baker and Michael Pomeroy for the 2013 season.

Baker is a 5-foot-9, 185-pound sophomore catcher from the Wichita State Shockers. The Topeka, KS native is currently hitting .331, which is the second highest average on the team. Baker has smacked 10 doubles, three triples, and four homeruns, with 36 RBI’s in 50 games this season for the Shockers. This past Tuesday Baker went 2-for-4 with a walk in a 7-to-5 loss to Kansas.

Baker played this past summer for the Liberal Bee Jays in the Jayhawk League and was named the third-best prospect in the league by Perfect Game and seventh-best by Baseball America.

Baker saw action in 49 games during his freshman season, hitting .205 with 10 doubles and 10 RBI’s. Baker spent time at third base and second base in addition to catching.

Baker and the 30-22 Wichita State Shockers are in action this weekend hosting Creighton in a three game series.

Pomeroy is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior first baseman and outfielder the Grand Canyon University Antelopes. The Peoria, AZ native is currently hitting .329 with four doubles and two homeruns, and had 22 RBI’s in 50 games for the Antelopes.

After transferring from South Mountain Community College, Pomeroy put together an outstanding sophomore campaign at Grand Canyon, hitting a conference best .422 average in route to being named Pacific West Conference Tri-Player of the Year and also being named Second Team All-West Region by both the NCAA American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings.

Pomeroy and the Antelopes finished the regular season 34 and 16, going 26 and 10 in Pacific West Conference play sharing the conference title with California Baptist. The Antelopes will await their post-season fate, to be announced on Sunday.

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May 7, 2013

Honkers Go Local, Serratore Signs with Club–Spitzrack, Watts Sign Temporary Contracts

(Rochester, MN)–The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signings of local products, Steve Serratore, Logan Spitzack, and Jared Watts for the 2013 season.

Serratore is a 6-foot 190-pound freshman catcher at Des Moines Area Community College. The Austin, MN native is currently hitting .351 with eight doubles, five homeruns and 38 RBI’s in 42 games for the 41-9 Bears. This past weekend Serratore went 6-for-12 with two RBI’s in a four game series against Southeastern Community College. A Rochester Mayo High School graduate, Serratore was named All Big Nine Conference for three consecutive seasons as well as “Dick Seitz” Conference Co Player of the Year with former Honker Mitch Brown in 2012. Serratore was named All-State honorable mention in 2011 and first team All-State in 2012. Serratore has signed to play for Dallas Baptist University next season.

Spitzack is a 6-foot-1 195-pound redshirt freshman right-handed pitcher at St. Cloud State. The West Concord, MN native is currently 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in five games with the Huskies. Spitzack has pitched in 10.2 innings, striking out 12 while walking just three. Spitzack made his only start on April 29^th at the University of Mary working seven scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out six in a St. Cloud State 10-0 win. The Triton High School graduate was a three-time All-Conference performer and an All-State award winner in baseball. Spitzack posted the team’s lowest ERA and also set a school record in basketball for points in a game.

Watts is a 5-foot-9 175-pound freshman infielder at Bethel University. The Rochester native is currently hitting .259 with two doubles, a homerun and 16 RBI’s in 27 games for the Royals. Although from Rochester, Watts attended high school in La Quinta California. The La Quinta High School graduate has a .962 fielding percentage so far this season, committing only four errors in 27 games.

Spitzack and Watts are under temporary contracts, which could be extended into full contracts for the remainder of the season.

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May 3, 2013

Honkers Sign Team USA Standout – Red Wing's (MN) Ryan Boldt to Suit Up This Summer

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Red Wing High School standout and Team USA member, Ryan Boldt for the 2013 season.

Boldt is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior outfielder for the Red Wing (MN) Wingers. The University of Nebraska top recruit was recently ranked as the No. 13 prospect in the 2013 MLB First Year Player Draft by ESPN’s Keith Law and the 7^th best high school prospect in the country by Baseball America. Boldt is vying to become the highest drafted Minnesota prep player since Joe Mauer was drafted No. 1 overall by the Minnesota Twins in 2001.

Boldt helped U18 Team USA to a gold medal in South Korea in 2012, by setting a Team USA and International Baseball Federation 18U World Championships record with 12 total stolen bases. The speedy outfielder was named MVP of the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego last summer going 2-for-3 with a triple in the contest.

Boldt hit .423 as a junior leading the Wingers to state for the first time since 1977. Prior to the start of the 2013 season he was named a Rawlings First Team All-American as well as Central-All Region first team member.

The defending Missota Conference and Section One champion Red Wing Wingers are currently ranked eighth in the state and are coming off a doubleheader sweep of Farmington.

The Rochester Honkers 20th season begins on May 29^th when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start versus the MoonDogs. Their home opener is Thursday, May 30^th against the same Mankato MoonDogs. First pitch at Mayo Field is 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.

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May 2, 2013

Honkers Sign A Trio of Arms

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signingof three right-handed pitchers for 2013 season, Seth Fuller, Cole Wiper, and Hayden Barnett will join the team this summer.

Fuller is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore right-handed pitcher from Black Hawk College. He is currently 3-1 with a 1.58 ERA in 7 games and 6 starts for the Braves. The Moline, Illinois native has struck out 28 hitters in 40 innings pitched and has only walked 4. He spent his freshman year at Western Illinois University before transferring to Black Hawk.

Fuller spent last summer in Northwoods League as a member of the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. He pitched in 24 games all in relief going 5 and 4 with a 2.38 ERA, picking up 9 saves. Fuller was named a mid-season all-star, where he picked up the save, throwing a scoreless 9^th inning with 2 strikeouts in the South Division’s 4-3 win over the North Division in Madison, WI.

Wiper is a 6-foot-3 180-pound redshirt freshman right-handed pitcher from the University Oregon. The Bellevue, Washington native has pitched in 5 games and 3 starts for the Ducks going 1-0 with a 9.35 ERA in 8.2 innings pitched. Wiper redshirted in at Oregon in 2012.

Following his senior season at Newport High School, Wiper was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 14^th round of the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Barnett is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound freshman right-handed-pitcher from the University of Arkansas. Barnett, a native of Houston, TX, has yet to appear in a game for the Arkansas Razorbacks this season.

While at Houston Stratford High School, Barnett was ranked as a top-500 recruit nationally and 61^st-best prospect in the state of Texas in 2012 according to Perfect Game.

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May 1, 2013

Honkers Sign Two from Illinois. Roper Returns for Third Season

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Reid Roper and Josh Ferry from the University of Illinois.

Roper, a 6-foot, 200-pound, redshirt sophomore infielder and right-handed pitcher, returns to Rochester for his third season with the Honkers. Roper is currently hitting .273 with 9 doubles, 3 home runs and 17 RBIs in 33 games with the Fighting Illini. The Harrisburg Illinois native has appeared in 10 games on mound for Illinois so far this season with 5 saves and a 2.79 ERA. Roper has struck out 8 in 9.2 innings.

Last season with the Honkers, Roper played in 58 games all over the infield as well as behind the plate. Roper hit .250, smacking 10 doubles and 6 homeruns while collecting 30 RBIs. On the mound for the Honkers, Roper went 3 and 3 with a 4.06 ERA, picking up 1 save in 15 outings.

A graduate of Harrisburg High School, Roper was drafted as a catcher in the 29^th round by the Atlanta Braves in the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Ferry is a 6-foot-3, 190-pound sophomore right-handed pitcher out of Lemont, Illinois. Ferry has seen limited action this spring, pitching in 3 games out of the bullpen. Ferry has no decisions with a 3.86 ERA in 2.1 innings pitched.

As a freshman, Ferry went 3-1 with a 7.09 ERA in 11 appearances, 6 of which were starts. Ferry held opposing hitters to a .265 batting average in 39.1 innings.

Ferry graduated from Lemont High School, where he was listed as the No. 19 prospect in the class of 2011 in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report.

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April 23, 2013

Honkers Sign Two Kansas Jayhawks

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing Tucker Tharp and Hayden Edwards from the University Kansas.

Tharp is a 5-foot-11, 190-pound junior outfielder. He is currently hitting .216 with 4 doubles, 10 RBIs and is 9-10 in stolen bases. The primary center fielder, Tharp has started 34 games for the 24-15 Jayhawks.

As a sophomore, Tharp played in 53 games, making 50 starts and was tabbed All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. He played all 3 outfield positions, posting a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, committing no errors in 123 chances.

Edwards is a 6-foot-8, 185-pound freshman right-handed pitcher from Overland Park, KS. He’s seen limited action this spring, pitching 3.2 innings and striking out 5.

A graduate of Blue Valley High School, Edwards was ranked as the No. 1 high school prospect in the state of Kansas by Perfect Game USA. Over his final two high school seasons, he posted a 12-4 record with a 1.95 ERA and 109 strikeouts. Edwards was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 31^st round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft.

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April 19, 2013

Victoria's Restaurant is New Suite Sponsor!!

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today a three-year agreement with Victoria’s Restaurant and Wine Bar as the new corporate sponsor for their 2 luxury suites at Mayo Field. The new agreement replaces Outback Steakhouse as the previous suite sponsor.

“We are very proud and excited to sponsor the Rochester Honkers and their 2 suites at Mayo Field,” said Natalie Victoria, owner of Victoria’s Restaurant and Wine Bar. “We strongly believe in supporting local business and this was an easy decision for us. The exposure is priceless!”

There are 2 Victoria’s Restaurant Suites available for all Rochester Honkers home game, with each suite set up for 10 Honkers’ fans.

You’ll start off your Victoria’s Restaurant Suite experience with bread and grated parmesan cheese along with a Caesar Salad, followed by 2 of Victoria’s Restaurant’s popular dishes, Baked Mostacciolli and Pollo Bianco. Baked Mostacciolli is a baked pasta with ricotta cheese, meat sauce, and topped with mozzarella cheese, and Pollo Bianco is chicken sautéed in a white cream sauce with mushrooms, prosciutto ham, and mozzarella cheese. Completing the meal you’ll enjoy one of Victoria’s famous desserts topped off with Perkins cookies. Also included in each Victoria’s Restaurant Suite are 1 case soda, 2 cases beer, 10 boxes popcorn, 5 game day programs, and cable TV.

“We are very excited to partner up with Victoria’s Restaurant and Wine Bar,” said Honkers team owner, Kim Archer. “The menu is exciting and adds another element of style to Mayo Field, greatly enhancing the 20^th season of Rochester Honkers!”

Reservations are now being taken for the Victoria’s Restaurant Suites for the 2013 season. Cost is $325/suite. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for reservations and availability.

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April 9, 2013

Minnesota Golden Gopher Returns to Honkers – DJ Snelten Named Big 10 Pitcher of the Week

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that left-handed pitcher, DJ Snelten from the University of Minnesota will return to the Rochester Honkers this summer. This will be Snelten’ s third season on the Honkers roster.

Snelten, a 6-foot-7, 230-pound junior from Ingelside, Illinois, was just named Big 10 Pitcher of the week. Snelten earned the honor after he threw an 86-pitch complete game one-hitter versus Ohio State on Sunday, as the Gophers won 1-0. Snelten allowed just one infield hit, struck out a career-high seven batters and walked just one for Minnesota's sixth complete game of the year. Snelten also fielded his position when he assisted on six 1-3 putouts.

Currently Snelten is 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 18.0 innings of work. He’s appeared in 4 games, 2 of which were starts. Snelten’s previous limited innings is due to him coming off an injury and bringing him back cautiously.

Snelten finished the 2012 Honkers season pitching 30.2 innings, allowing 30 hits and striking out 37 in his 7 starts. He posted a 0-2 record with a 3.52 ERA. In 2011, Snelten went 2-2 with a 4.46 ERA for the Honkers. He collected 47 strikeouts in 40.1 innings of work.

The Rochester Honkers 20th season begins on May 29^th when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start versus the MoonDogs. Their home opener is Thursday, May 30^th against the same Mankato MoonDogs. First pitch at Mayo Field is 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.

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April 2, 2013

Honkers Finalize Coaching Staff for 2013

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that field manager, Adam White, has finalized his coaching staff for the 2013 season. Matt Bowman has been named pitching coach and Tony Pechek (PAY check) will handle the catchers and defense this summer.

Bowman, 28, has been the pitching coach at the University of Sioux Falls since 2010. Former field manager, Brian Aguailar, hired Bowman to come with him initially this summer but after resigning, that left Bowman with the task of re-applying with new field manager Adam White.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to coach in the Northwoods League, and especially with the Rochester Honkers,” said Bowman. “The Rochester Honkers are a classy organization that is dedicated to winning and playing the game the right way. I look forward to adding to that tradition and to a Northwoods League Championship."

Adam White added, “Matt really impressed me with his passion and energy to want to be in Rochester this summer. I can really feel why Aguailar wanted him on his staff this summer. I want someone on my staff that cares and wants to be here, and Bowman is that guy.”

Bowman pitched at South Dakota State University, where he graduated in 2007 with a BA in Sociology. He received their Gold Medal Athlete Award in 2007, set the Single Season Innings Pitched record in 2007 (104 1/3) and was named the team’s Pitcher of the Year twice (2006, 2007). Bowman is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Education at Sioux Falls.

Pechek, 26, is getting into the coaching ranks after spending four seasons playing within the Milwaukee Brewers organization from 2008-2012.

"I am very excited to start my coaching career under Adam White and the Rochester Honkers this summer,” said Pechek. “It is an honor to be chosen as a coach in the Northwoods League and I look forward to sharing what I have learned in professional baseball with the team this summer!”

Pechek, a catcher by trade, worked his way inside the Brewers system, playing in the Arizona League (Rookie), Pioneer League (Advanced Rookie) and the Mid-West League (A) before retiring. He had the unique opportunity to be a player coach in his final season. With 2 high profile prospects in front of him, Pechek was asked to help them learn, as well as throw BP, coach first base and help in the bullpen. He would be activated to play due to injuries, but then back to his player/coach role once those prospects were healthy.

“I hired Pechek because of his minor league experience and his strong passion for the game and wanting to coach,” said White. “His catching experience, teamed up with Bowman’s pitching experience, was a natural fit. I believe those two will work extremely well together in setting up their defense and calling a game. All of us are expecting to bring a Championship back to Rochester where it belongs.”

Pechek graduated from Colorado State University in 2012 with Major in Exercise Science and Health Promotions with a Minor in Education. He currently works for the Bennington (NE) Public School system.

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March 27, 2013

Cal State Fullerton Cather Returns to Honkers

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Chad Wallach, a junior catcher from #5 ranked Cal State Fullerton, will return to the Honkers lineup this summer.

Wallach, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior from Yorba Linda, CA is currently hitting .328 with 3 doubles and 16 RBIs for the 21-4 Titans. He also leads the team in hits by pitch with 7.

Wallach finished the 2012 Rochester Honkers season hitting .303 with 10 doubles, 7 home runs and 28 RBIs. He spent time at first base and behind the plate last summer, playing in 45 total games.

In 2012, Wallach was part of a three-man catching rotation at Cal State Fullerton, starting 21 games, and appearing in 32. He finished the season hitting .206 with 4 doubles and 7 RBIs.

Wallach’s father and two brothers all played for Cal State Fullerton and moved on to professional baseball. His father Tim, was a first round draft pick off the National Championship team in 1979, and went on to become a five-time MLB All-Star over his 17 year MLB career. He is currently the third base coach for the LA Dodgers. His brother Matt, finished the 2012 season with the AA affiliate of the Dodgers and brother Brett finished the 2012 season with the A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

Cal State Fullerton begins a 3-game set starting Thursday with visiting Pacific.

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March 25, 2013

Honkers Sign Oklahoma Sooner Outfielder

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Craig Aikin, the starting centerfielder for #16 ranked, Oklahoma Sooners.

Aikin, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound freshman, is the everyday starting centerfielder for the 19-4 Sooners. Currently he is hitting .258 with 6 RBIs and is 5-8 in stolen bases. The Coppell, TX native is one of five Sooners to have started all 23 games so far this season.

Aikin graduated from Coppell High School where here was a four-year letter winner. He hit .446 with 154 hits and stole 55 bases in his pre career. As a senior, he hit .450 with 25 stolen bases as the team’s captain. Aikin broke Jason Stokes’ (former MLB and Coppell High School graduate) hit record as a junior with 61 hits.

Oklahoma puts their seven-game winning streak and #16 rank on the line against TCU this weekend, opening Big 12 play at home, starting the three-game series Friday afternoon.

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March 20, 2013

Honkers Sign Three from Sam Houston State

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Tyler Eppler, Carter Burgess, and Derrick Hadley, all from Sam Houston State in Huntsville, TX

Eppler is a 6-foot-5, 215-pound sophomore right-handed pitcher from Navasota, TX. Currently he is 1-0 with a 5.11 ERA in 6 appearances, 3 being starts. Eppler has pitched 12.1 innings, striking out 6 and holding opponents to a .239 batting average. Eppler got his first win of the season, beating #22 ranked Texas on Feb. 26^th. Eppler started the game, going 5.2 innings, allowing only 2 runs on 4 hits in the Bearcats 6-3 win. He also got the start versus #19 ranked Rice on March 6^th, pitching a solid 3.1 scoreless innings, getting the no decision in the Bearkats 3-0 win. Eppler transferred from Texarkana Junior College after his freshman year.

Burgess is a 6-foot-1, 175-poound sophomore shortstop from Houston, TX, who transferred from Rice. Currently he is hitting .342, ranking him second overall on the team, with a team high 6 doubles and 11 RBIs, for the 9-9 Bearkats. Burgess posts a .966 fielding percentage, committing only 2 errors on the season.

Hadley is a 6-foot, 190 sophomore right-handed pitcher who transferred to Sam Houston from Texas A&M. He finished his sophomore season, making 2 starts in 4 appearances. Due to NCAA transfer rules, Hadley has to sit out this year at Sam Houston State to be eligible in 2014.

Sam Houston is led by Head Coach David Pierce, who left Rice after the 2011 season to lead the Bearkats. He also hired former Rochester Honker, Phil Haig, who is now his volunteer assistant coach, working primarily with their pitchers.

 

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February 28, 2013

Honkers Hire New Field Manager – Aguailar Steps Down To Take Position with MN Twins

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Adam White, an assistant coach at Penn State University, will be their new field manager for the 2013 Northwoods League season. White takes over for Brian Aguailar who stepped down to take a position with the AAA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead such a great organization into the 2013 Northwoods League season,” said White. “It has always been a goal of mine after my professional career to be a head coach, and I am thankful to have the opportunity so early in my career.”

White feels that his experience from college through the professional ranks gives him the needed edge to win in the Northwoods League. “I know my experience in the game will help guide players to get the most of their abilities, learn the game, and put a winning product out on the field every game,” added White. “There is only one goal, to bring a NWL Championship back to Rochester!”

White, 27, spent 4 seasons in Minor League baseball with Cleveland Indians from 2007-2010, reaching the Advanced A level before being released. A 9^th round pick by the Indians in 2007, the speedy switch-hitting outfielder was tabbed a Top 100 Cleveland Indians Prospect. He was rated the fastest player in the Indians organization, and in 2008, stole the second most bases in the entire organization.

“My professional career has taught me many valuable lessons about the game, and as well as life. One of the reasons I have pursued a coaching career after I was released was to be able to help teach the game to young players,” said White. “Personally, I had to outwork and study the game more because I was a more of an athlete playing baseball, rather than being a baseball player. Professional baseball taught me how to become a complete player, and teaching my players how to approach the game professionally is one of my main goals this summer as well as winning a championship.”

White began his collegiate career at West Virginia University where he was a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American, a National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American, a two-time All-Big East Selection, and a Pre-Season Big East Selection all before being drafted in 2007 after his redshirt sophomore season.

“Going into college, I was not a highly recruited player because I did not play baseball year round,” said White. “Being a running back in football, wrestling, and playing baseball made me an all-around athlete. I am thankful that the West Virginia coaching staff gave me the chance to ultimately reach my goal to play college and professional baseball.”

After pro-ball, White began working his way through the Penn State baseball organization while continuing his education at PSU. He served as the team’s Director of Baseball Operations, Team Manager, and now an assistant coach. White currently holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Education at PSU and is currently pursuing his National Strength and Conditioning certification as a strength and condition specialist. White’s father was also an All-American wrestler at Penn State.

Aguailar will report to the Minnesota Twins in Fort Meyers, FL mid-March, before settling in with the Rochester Red Wings (AAA affiliate) in New York on April 1^st. He will be their Video Coordinator for the hitters, work in the bullpen and batting practice, as well as pre-game duties.

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February 25, 2013

Honkers Sign Double-Threat from North Dakota

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Jeff Campbell, a sophomore infielder and right-handed pitcher from the University of North Dakota.

Campbell, a 6’4” 225 pound Clearwater, FL native, just earned his first win on the mound, pitching a four-hit complete game (7 innings) shutout against 7^th ranked Division II St. Cloud St in a 2-0 win. The victory gave UND a split with SCSU in a non-conference double action at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN. Campbell also went 1-3 at the plate, hitting third in the lineup.

Campbell is leading 4-2 North Dakota in RBI (5) and home runs (1) as their starting first baseman. He is 1-1 with a 4.05 ERA on the mound, and has collected 5 strikeouts in his 13.1 innings pitched.

As a freshman, Campbell hit .326 and led North Dakota in home runs (12), RBI (47) and doubles (14). He posted a 4-7 record on the mound with a 6.30 ERA while striking out 41 in 75.2 innings of work.

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February 19, 2013

Honkers Returning Honker Takes Down #1 Arkansas – Pingel Named Summit League Co-Pitcher of the Week

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Mason Pingel, a 6-foot-7, 225-pound right-handed pitcher from Western Illinois, will return for his second season with the Honkers.

The sophomore hurler just recorded his first victory of 2013 on Sunday, when he earned the 7-5 win over #1 ranked Arkansas at Arkansas and was just awarded Summit League Co-Pitcher of the Week honors. Pingel got the start on Sunday going 5.0 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits and striking out a career high 5. The win was the first for Pingel in a Leatherneck uniform, and also the first time the Leatherneck baseball program defeated the top-ranked team in the country. It was also Western Illinois’ first win of 2013 (1-2) and the first win of new head coach Ryan Brownlee.

Pingel started off his 2012 Northwoods career as a temporary player for the Wisconsin Woodchucks. Rochester picked up Pingel mid-season and he finished out 2012 with Rochester going 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA. He appeared in 5 games, 2 of which we starts, pitching 20.0 innings, allowing 7 runs (5 earned) and striking out 17.

As a freshman at Western Illinois, the Appleton, WI native appeared in 5 games, pitching 9 innings and striking out 5. A graduate of Appleton North High School, Pingel finished his prep career 10-1 with a 0.94 ERA, while striking out 80 in 73.0 innings pitched.

The Rochester Honkers 20th season begins on May 29^th when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start versus the MoonDogs. Their home opener is Thursday, May 30^th against the same Mankato MoonDogs. First pitch at Mayo Field is 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.

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December 17, 2012

Honkers Announce 2013 Schedule
(Click Here for Printable Schedule)

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today their complete game schedule for the 2013 Northwoods League season.

The Five-Time NWL Champions open their 20th season on May 29^th, when they travel to Mankato, MN to take on the MoonDogs @ 7:05pm. Their home opener will then take place on Thursday, May 30th, when the Mankato MoonDogs come back to Mayo Field for a 7:05pm first pitch. The 2013 season will see a return of inter-division play when the Honkers will take on the Battle Creek Bombers (Battle Creek, MI) and Lakeshore Chinooks (Mequon, WI) of the South Division. The league has played in division only for the last 3 seasons.

The Honkers, a member of the North Division, will play a 70 game schedule in 75 days, beginning on the road on May 29^th and ending at home on August 11^th. The first half of the season will be complete at the end of play on Wednesday, July 3^rd with the second half beginning the following day. The NWL Playoff Series will take place from August 12^th through August 17^th. The winners of each division’s two halves will meet in a best-of-three divisional playoff series (August 12-14) with the winners advancing to the Summer Collegiate World Series (August 15-17), also a best-of-three. The Northwoods League’s 19^th All-Star Game will take place on July 23^rd in Eau Claire, WI.

Rochester Honkers home games will start at 7:05pm for games Monday through Saturday and Sundays will all start at 1:05pm. The Honkers will also play two mid-week day games (Monday, June 17^th and Tuesday, July 9^th) both starting at 1:05pm.

General admission ticket prices for the 2013 will be a flat rate of $6.00/person, but kids 4 and under are admitted for free. In 1994, the Honkers general admission tickets were $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids and seniors.

The Rochester Honkers are one of two remaining teams (Wisconsin (Wausau) Woodchucks) from the Northwoods League’s inaugural season of 1994. The Honkers have won a league high Five NWL Championships: (1994, 1997, 1999, 2006, 2009).For the Rochester Honkers complete schedule, game times and ticket information, go to www.rochesterhonkers.com. The entire NWL schedule is available at www.northwoodsleague.com.

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