2011 Total Newsroom Archive
December 19, 2011
Honkers Announce their 2012 Schedule
(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today their complete game schedule for the 2012 Northwoods League season. The Five-Time NWL Champions open their 19th season on May 30th, when they travel to Waterloo, IA to take on the Bucks @ 6:35pm. Their home opener will then take place on Thursday, May 31st, when the Waterloo Bucks prance back to Mayo Field for a 7:05pm first pitch. This will be the first time the Honkers and Bucks have played each other since the 2008 season.
The 2012 season will be the third consecutive season that Northwoods League teams will only play within their division. The Honkers, a member of the North Division, will play a 70 game schedule in 75 days, beginning on May 30th and ending at home on August 12th. They will play each North Division opponent 10 times, five home and five away. The first half of the season will be complete at the end of play on Wednesday, July 4th with the second half beginning the following day. The NWL Playoff Series will take place from August 13th through August 18th. The winner of each division’s two halves will meet in a best-of-three divisional playoff series (August 13-15) with the winners advancing to the Summer Collegiate World Series (August 16-18), also a best-of-three.
Start times for the Rochester Honkers 2012 home games will be 7:05pm for games Monday through Saturday and Sundays will all begin at 1:05pm. The Honkers will also play two midweek day games (June 26 and July 16) both starting at 1:05pm.
General admission ticket prices for the 2012 season will remain the same as 2011. Adults are only $6.00 while kids and seniors are $5.00. 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.
November 10, 2011
Matt Strahm Returns for 2012
(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that left-handed pitcher Matt Strahm, from Neosho County Community College (KS) will return to the Rochester Honkers next summer.
Strahm, a 6’3”, 170-pound sophomore from West Fargo, ND was with the Honkers for the month of June last summer. He finished his Honker stint, 1-1 with a 2.92 ERA. The crafty lefthander made 4 starts, pitching 24.2 innings, allowing only 8 earned runs and striking out 22. Strahm was signed as a temporary player due to the amount of innings he had his freshman season at Neosho.
Strahm finished his freshman season at Neosho 9-3 with a 2.82 ERA, and a team-high 9 complete games. He struck out 77 in 67.0 innings of work and held opponents to a .248 batting average.
Strahm has been heavily recruited by Oklahoma State, Auburn, Oregon, Texas Tech, Mississippi State and Arkansas before eventually deciding to sign with Nebraska for 2013 season.
October 28, 2011
Honkers Roster Starts Off Fighting
(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that pitcher Kevin Johnson and infielder/pitcher Reid Roper will return to the Rochester Honkers next summer. Both are from the University of Illinois Fighting Illini and are the first two signed for the 2012 season.
Johnson is a 6’3”, 210-pound right-handed junior from Midlothian, IL. He was Illinois’ No. 1 starting pitcher in 2011, pitching a team-high 103 innings and recording 63 strikeouts, tops among all pitchers. As a freshman, he tied a school record for wins by a freshman. Johnson was listed as the No. 13 recruit in the state of Illinois out of high school by Prep Baseball Report.
For the Honkers last summer, Johnson was 3-2 with a 6.43 ERA. He struck out 31 in 35 innings, and started 8 games, 6 of which were affected by rain. Johnson will anchor the Honkers starting pitching staff next summer.
Roper is a 6-foot, 200-pound redshirt freshman who saw his first collegiate live action with the Honkers last summer. He was sidelined at Illinois due to knee injury in the 2010 fall practice season. Roper played in 56 games for the Honkers, hitting .213 with 3 home runs, 19 RBI and 5 stolen bases. He saw most of his time at short. Roper also made 8 appearances on the mound, pitching 14 innings and striking out 11. Roper is scheduled to see action in the infield this season for Illinois as well as one of their closers.
Roper was drafted out of high school in the 29th round as a catcher by the Atlanta Braves in the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft. He finished his senior year hitting .504 with 10 home runs while going 12-0 with a 0.84 ERA on the mound.
Honkers Announce Coaching Staff for 2012
(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the hiring of Zach Etheredge, Volunteer Assistant from the University of California at Santa Barbara as their new field manager for the 2012 season. Etheredge, a former farmhand with the Chicago White Sox, becomes the Honkers 11th Field Manager since their inaugural season of 1994. He brings with him JR Voyles, who spent time with the NY Mets organization.
“I’m excited to be a part of a first class organization,” said Etheredge. “. The NWL is the best developmental league in the country for amateur baseball players.”
Etheredge is no stranger to the Northwoods League or summer collegiate baseball. He played two summers for the Wisconsin Woodchucks of the NWL (2004, 2005), for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod League in 2006, and was an assistant coach for the Cotuit Kettlers in the Cape Cod League in 2011.
“I know from my playing days in the NWL that Rochester is a great place to play and manage,” added Etheredge. “Summer baseball is the best baseball on the planet. It’s pure baseball!”
Etheredge was a catcher collegiately at University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) from 2003-2008. He was UTSA’s Defensive Player of the Year, Southland Conference All Team Selection and UTSA Team Captain in 2007 and 2008. He left UTSA ranked among the top 10 on the school’s career charts in at-bats (third), doubles (fifth), games started (sixth), RBI (sixth) and home runs (ninth). Etheredge then signed a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox in 2008 but was eventually released due to a past shoulder injury which worried the club.
Etheredge is bringing with him this summer, UTSA teammate, JR Voyles, who spent 3 years with the New York Mets organization as an infielder.
“When I accepted the head job at Rochester, there was no doubt in my mind who my first phone call would be to,” said Etheredge. “JR, in my opinion, is the best infield guy there is, and he knows what it takes to win in the NWL after winning a ring with Thunder Bay.”
JR will handle the infielders and hitters this summer. JR too spent time in the NWL, playing for the Thunder Bay Border Cats in 2004 and 2005, before entering the pro ranks in 2006 as a 34th draft pick of NY Mets. JR won a NWL Championship with Thunder Bay in 2005. JR retired in 2009 and starting his coaching career. He started off at St. Thomas HS in Houston, TX winning a state championship in 2009 under the tutelage of Head Coach and former Major League All-Star Craig Biggio. In 2010 he joined the staff at C.E. King High School in Houston, TX where he remains today.
“When Zach called and asked if I would be his assistant I jumped at the opportunity,” said JR. “Over my career, I have had the privilege to learn from some of the games’ greatest and can’t wait to pass it on. In my mind, the NWL is one of the best college summer leagues as it’s the closest comparison to minor league baseball.”
Etheredge is excited to team up again with JR again.
“JR has had the opportunity to be around some outstanding players and coaches through his career in college, pro ball, and in coaching,” said Etheredge. “We understand each other, we understand the culture we want to create, and we have both played in the league, I know it’s a winning combination.”
The Rochester Honkers are expected to announce their first player signees for the 2012 season soon, as Etheredge and JR have been working on the roster daily since their hiring.
September 23, 2011
Honkers Hire Broskowski As Voice of the Honkers for 2012
(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the hiring of Michael Broskowski (Broe-Scow-Ski) as the new Voice of Rochester Honkers Baseball for the 2012 season. Broskowski takes over the microphone from Zack Fisch who will be graduating from St. Cloud State in the spring.
"It’s a great honor to be part of the Rochester Honkers organization, an organization steeped in history," said Broskowski. "The Northwoods League has always been a goal of mine and to break in with the best franchise in the league, it’s special."
Broskowski is a junior at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL majoring in Broadcasting and Journalism. He does play-by-play for the WIU football team on WIU TV 3, the lead broadcaster for women’s basketball and does play-by-play for the men’s baseball team on the Leatherneck Sports Network.
This past summer Broskowski was the broadcaster for the Mat-Su-Miners of the Alaska Summer Collegiate League, as well as their official scorekeeper and statistician. In 2010, he was the Number 2 Broadcaster for the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Class A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, where he provided play-by-play for 4-5 innings a game and color commentary for approximately 100 games.
"I'm excited to bring the fans the action this summer and enhance the listener and viewer experience,” added Broskowski. “I can’t wait for this summer, and call the game that I truly love.”
All 70 regular scheduled Rochester Honkers games and the post season will be heard again next season on Sports Radio AM 1520 “The Ticket” with Broskowski having the call.
September 5, 2011
Former Honker and 2006 NWL MVP Efren Navarro, Jr. Called Up by Angels
(Rochester, MN.. via NWL)—A former Northwoods League Most Valuable Player will soon be making his Major League debut for the Los Angeles Angels. Left-handed hitting first baseman Efren Navarro, who led the Rochester Honkers to the Northwoods League Championship in his MVP season of 2006, will be in uniform tonight for the Angels when they open a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins in Anaheim.
The slick-fielding first baseman was a two-way player during his two-year stint in the NWL. A Northwoods League All-Star in both 2005 and 2006, Navarro hit .298 with 12 doubles, four home runs and 54 RBIs in 103 games with the Rochester Honkers. On the mound the left-hander went 8-2 with 1.76 ERA, striking out 64 in 87 innings in two seasons. He made just six errors in 465 total chances at first base, good for a .991 fielding percentage.
Despite his success in the Northwoods League, Navarro was slighted in the 2007 Major League Draft. Following his junior year at UNLV, the Lynwood, California native was picked in the 50th round, the 1,450th player selected, just four picks from the end of the draft. He opted to sign with the Angels and has made a steady climb up their organization ever since. The 25-year-old was putting up career best numbers at the time of his call up from Triple-A Salt Lake. He’s hitting .317 with 36 doubles, six triples, 12 home runs and 73 RBIs. Defensively, he’s performing as well as ever, with just three errors and a .998 fielding percentage. Since August 12th he’s hitting .424 and is coming off a Pacific Coast League Player of the Week honor. Last week for the Bees Navarro batted .593 (16-for-27) including eight extra-base hits.
Navarro becomes the 6th former Rochester Honker to reach the big leagues. He joins Los Angeles Dodgers all-star outfielder Andre Ethier (’02) and Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Matt Reynolds (’06) as former Honkers currently in the big leagues. When Navarro debuts, he’ll become the 84th former NWL player to appear in the Major Leagues—the 47th to play in 2011.
The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America.
September 2, 2011
Former Honker Brett Mitchell Gaining Professional Accolades
(Rochester, MN)—Former Rochester Honker and Minnesota State University – Mankato pitcher Bret Mitchell hit the ground running in his first season of professional baseball, and was named the Kingsport Mets Pitcher of the Year. Mitchell was promoted to the Brooklyn Cyclones on August 5.
With the Mets, he boasted a 5-1 record with an ERA of 2.95 in just seven starts. He was named the Appalachian Pitcher of the Week in the week of June 21-26. In that week he pitched five innings in his first start of the season, allowing no hits and walking just one, while compiling six strikeouts. After his promotion to Brooklyn he had just one start, allowing six hits and an ERA of 1.93 in the Short Season A league.
Mitchell played parts of two seasons with the Honkers, seeing time in 15 games, fourteen as a starter. In 89.1 innings pitched he had an ERA of 3.22 and struck out 75 batters, and walked just sixteen. He finished his Northwoods League career with a 3-3 record.
Mitchell is a native of Lakeville, Minnesota and was drafted by the Mets in the 12th round of the 2010 First Year Player Draft.
August 16, 2011
Honkers Announce Post-Season Awards
(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers are pleased to announce the recipients of their 2011 Post-Season Awards. Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) was named the 2011 Pitcher of the Year, Anthony Hutting (So, Cal State Fullerton) was named Most Inspirational and Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) was named the 2011 Honker of the Year.
Dolsky, a second year Honker, finished the season with a 3-2 record and one save in 16 appearances during the 2011 campaign. Of his 16 appearances, five of them came as starts and the rest out of the bullpen. He pitched 42.1 innings for the Honkers and boasted an ERA of 3.40. As the Honkers lone representative in the Mid-Season All-Star Game, he pitched .2 innings allowing one run and striking out one batter. He picked up his first win of the season in three innings of relief against Willmar on June 13. In those three innings he allowed just one hit and struck out six batters.
Hutting was named Most Inspirational for his commitment to the team on and off the field and his attitude in the locker room. As a second year Honker, he was a regular in the lineup and took a leadership role with the team. He attended many community appearances and loved representing the team. He also performed well on the field, batting .261 with a home run and 18 runs scored.
Coy was named Honker of the Year after arriving to the team in late June as a late signing by Rochester. He played in 48 games, driving in 48 runs and hitting 11 home runs. Aside from his power, Johnny batted a team high .309 showing consistency in hitting for contact as well as power. He was third in the league in both home runs and RBI, and was the only player in the league with a 1.00 RBI/Game or more. Coy also performed well at first base, making just six errors on the season with a .985 fielding percentage. He was also selected as a Post-Season All-Star for the Northwoods League, and was the only Honker named to the post-season team.
The Honker Post-Season Awards are decided on by the Coaches and Front Office Staff.
August 14, 2011
Honkers Win Season Finale, 4-3
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers wrapped up the final game of the 2011 season, beating the Duluth Huskies 4-3 in a ninth inning thriller Sunday evening at Wade Stadium in Duluth. With the win, the Honkers record improves to 16-22 in the second half, and they will finish the season with a 25-45 overall record.
Ben Heairet (So, Augustana) would get the start for the Honkers. Heairet pitched the first seven innings, allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out four batters. Heairet came into the game with a 0-2 record and would get the no-decision after the Honkers took the lead in the ninth inning. Rochester native Kyle Sursley (So, RCTC) would pitch two hitless innings and pick up the win for the Honkers, his second of the year, improving his record to 2-0.
The Honkers would have their backs up against the wall in the ninth inning, down 3-1. Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) would lead the inning off with a single. Justin Kline (Jr, Presentation College) would get walked, and Seth McMullen (So, Winona State) would single to load the bases for the Honkers before a wild pitch would bring Roper in to score. With runners on second and third and two outs, Eric Brich (Jr, U of Mary) would get his only hit of the day, driving in Kline and McMullen to give the Honkers the lead.
Roper and Kline would both finish the day 2-for-3 with a run scored and McMullen would finish with 3-for-4 with a run scored to lead the Honkers to a victory in the season finale.
The Honkers will conclude the season today with Alexandria and Mankato making the playoffs for the North Division. The North Division playoffs will start tomorrow with the Beetles travelling to Mankato to play the MoonDogs.
August 13, 2011
Honkers Fall to Walk-Off
(Rochester, MN) – In the second to last game of the season the Rochester Honkers lost 4-1 to the Duluth Huskies on Saturday night at Wade Stadium in Duluth. The loss lowers the Honkers record to 15-22 on the season.
The Honkers struck first, scoring their run in the fourth inning, before Duluth struck back and tied it in the sixth. Duluth would win the game with a walk-off three run home run in the bottom of the ninth, sending both teams home.
Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) and Garrett Benson (So, Bethany Lutheran) pitched for the Honkers in what was a pitching duel for the first eight innings. Mattingly would get the start and the first four innings of the game. He finished after only allowing two hits and shutting down the Huskies. Benson would pitch the next 4.1 innings, getting the loss and allowing four runs on eight hits.
The Honkers would only muster three hits in the game, from Davy Wright (So, TCU), Seth McMullen (So, Winona State) and Mattingly. Mattingly’s hit was a double, driving in the Honkers run of the game. He would go 1-for-2 before being pulled from the mound and the batting order.
The Honkers and Huskies will conclude the 2011 season tomorrow, with a 5:05 pm first pitch at Wade Stadium. The Honkers will have Ben Heairet (So, Augustana) on the mound, making his third start of the season.
Earlier in the day, Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) was named to the Northwoods League Post-Season All-Star team. Coy was the only Honker named to the team.
Coy Named to Post-Season All-Star Team
(Rochester, MN) – Johnny Coy (Wichita State) was named as the Honkers lone Post-Season All-Star for the 2011 Northwoods League season on Saturday. Nick Dolsky (Nebraska) was named to the Mid-Season All-Star team earlier this summer and participated in the 2011 All-Star game.
Coy finished the season with a .309 batting average with 48 runs batted in and 11 home runs. Most impressive, his 48 RBI was in just as many games, with Coy arriving to Rochester in late June, making an immediate impact with an RBI in his first game with th team. Coy doubled 15 times with 60 hits total on the season.
Coy is currently third in the league for RBI and home runs. Mankato’s Shaun Cooper was named league MVP after setting the season home run record.
The Honkers will finish the season with two games in Duluth, concluding the 2011 campaign on Sunday evening.
August 12, 2011
Honkers Triumph in Final Home Game
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers put on a hitting display in Friday’s game against the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers, winning 11-2 in the final home game of the season Friday night at Mayo Field. The Honkers improve their record to 15-21 in the second half, with two games remaining in the 2011 season.
The Honkers scored nine runs in the second inning, more then they scored in the entire series against the Lunkers. They used eight hits in the inning including two clutch doubles to start the scoring against the Lunkers. Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon) would add to the score in the third inning with a two run home run, a towering blast to the right field power alley.
Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt) went 4-for-4 in the ballgame, scoring two runs, to improve his season batting average to .314. Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) and Justin Kline (Jr, Presentation College) both added two RBI in the Honkers victory.
D.J. Snelten (Fr, Minnesota) would pick up his second win of the season, finishing the year with a 2-2 record and a 4.46 ERA. Snelten pitched six innings, allowing just two hits and no runs before getting pulled for a high pitch count. He struck out six batters in the game.
The Honkers will now travel to Duluth to take on the Huskies in the final games of the season. Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) will get the start on the mound tomorrow for the Honkers. It will be his first start of the season and 14th appearance as a pitcher total. The Honkers will return home next June, when they kick off the 2012 Northwoods League Season.
August 11, 2011
Honkers Toppled by Brainerd, 8-3
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers continued to struggle, dropping their fourth straight game to the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers by a score of 8-3 on Thursday night at Mayo Field. The Honkers fall to 14-21 in the second half with three games remaining.
The Honkers would never lead in the game, but keep it close throughout, never being down by more than two, and take a 3-3 tie into the ninth inning before allowing five runs in the top of the ninth.
Elliott Engle (Fr, Doane College) got the start for the Honkers, his second of the season. He would last seven innings, allowing just three runs on eight Lunker hits. Engle would get the no-decision in the game, leaving with the score 3-2 in favor of Brainerd. Garrett Benson (So, Bethany Lutheran) would get the loss in the game, pitching two innings and allowing five runs on two hits.
Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) made a big impact on the game, driving in all three Honker runs and going 2-for-4 with a double. Coy drove in two in the third inning with a single, and one more in the eighth with his double to deep left field. Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) would also have a solid day at the plate, going 2-for-3 in the game, and Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt) scored two runs while going 1-for-3 at bat.
Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Poly State) would go 1-for-4 in the game, singling in the ninth inning. That single would be the 100th hit of his Northwoods League career, spanning two seasons as a Honker.
The Honkers and Lunkers will be back at it tomorrow night, for the final game of the season at Mayo Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm and it is Fan Appreciation night at the ballpark. The Honkers will play two games in Duluth after tomorrow’s game to finish out the 2011 Northwoods League season.
August 10, 2011
Lunkers Defeat Honkers 8-1
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers continued their second half slump, losing their eighth game in ten days, this time to the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers by a score of 8-1 on Wednesday night at Mayo Field. The Honkers fall to 14-20 in the second half and 23-43 overall.
The Honkers ran into strong pitching, failing to get a runner on base until the fifth inning when Davy Wright (So, TCU) hit his 19th double of the season to centerfield, breaking up the perfect game. Wright would go 2-for-4 and score the only run of the game for the Honkers. Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) would double in the next at-bat, scoring Wright, for his 18th run of the season.
Cody Peterson (Fr, Madison College) would make his second start of the season, picking up his second loss as well. Peterson would only last 4.1 innings, allowing four runs on 11 hits. He would leave the game earlier than expected with an apparent arm injury. James Gilbertson (So, RCTC) would make his longest appearance in relief this season, pitching the final 4.2 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits. Gilbertson’s previous inning high was 2.1 in his first appearance of the year.
The Lunkers would use two big innings to roll to the win, scoring seven runs in the fifth and sixth innings, with three homeruns and some other timely hitting.
The Honkers and Lunkers are back at it tomorrow night, Thursday August 11, with a 7:05 pm first pitch. The game will have Minnesota Twins Organist Sue Nelson as in-game entertainment and will be followed by the final Fireworks Extravaganza of the season at Mayo Field.
August 9, 2011
Honkers Fall to Lunkers, 10-5
Box Score
(Rochester, MN) – In a game that featured 12 errors between the two teams, the Rochester Honkers would find themselves on the losing end, falling to the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers by a score of 10-5, Tuesday night in Brainerd. The Honkers committed seven errors in the game, and the Lunkers committed five. The loss moves the Honkers to 14-19 in the second half of the season.
Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) would get the start, his seventh of the season. McKenzie allowed seven runs, five of them earned, on nine hits in 5.1 innings of work. He struck out six batters while only walking three. The loss lowers his record to 1-3 on the season.
Rochester native Garrett Benson (So, Bethany Lutheran) would make his Honker debut in relief of McKenzie. Benson would pitch 1.2 innings, allowing three hits and three runs. The three runs were unearned.
Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt) would go 0-for-4 at the plate for the Honkers, but still be a major factor in the game. Though he was hitless, Kemp reached base three times and scored a run every time he was on base. Eric Birch (Jr, U of Mary) also had a productive day, going 2-for-5 with two runs scored.
The Honkers and Lunkers will both travel to Rochester for a three game series starting tomorrow, Wednesday, August 10 through Friday, August 12, first pitch in all three games is 7:05pm. The middle game of the series will feature Minnesota Twins Organist Sue Nelson playing all game, with a fireworks extravaganza following the game.
Due to technical difficulties, there is not a box score available for the game.
August 8, 2011
Honkers Split Doubleheader
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers traveled to Brainerd to take on the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers for a doubleheader on Monday night, winning game number one by a score of 5-2 and falling by a score of 6-3 in game two. The series split moves the Honkers record to 14-18 on the season.
The Honkers would get an excellent effort from starting pitcher Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) in game number one. Dolsky pitched the full seven innings allowing the two runs on just six hits and striking out three batters. The win improves the Honkers lone all-star’s record to 3-2 on the season.
The Honkers would fall down by one in the first inning but come back in their half of the second to score three runs, which were the eventual the deciding runs. The Honkers would only allow one more during the game to take the opener of the doubleheader.
The Honkers were not as fortunate in game two, falling by a score of 6-3. Brainerd would use a five run third inning to propel themselves to victory over the Honkers. The Honkers almost rallied back in the fifth and sixth innings, but fell short.
Ben Heairet (So, Augustana) would pitch the complete game for Rochester, allowing the six runs on eight hits, while striking out eight Lunker batters. The loss would push his record to 0-2 since reporting to Rochester late in the season.
The Honkers would get good offensive production out of the bats of Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) and Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon). The duo each batted 3-for-8 in the two games, each getting two hits in the first game. Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) would have a strong second game, going 3-for-3 with a RBI after leaving the first game early.
The two teams will be back on the field tomorrow for a regular nine inning game with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05pm. The teams will then travel to Rochester for a three game series at Mayo Field. The series is the last time the Honkers will play at home this season, and will feature the Minnesota Twins organist Sue Nelson on Thursday night, with a fireworks extravaganza following. All three games at Mayo field are 7:05 pm starts.
August 6, 2011
Honkers Fall in Thirteen Innings
(Rochester, MN) – In a game that they at one point had a six run lead, the Rochester Honkers saw themselves losing in thirteen innings by a score of 9-8 to the Alexandria Beetles. The Honkers were up 8-2 after six innings, and lost a three run lead in the ninth inning before losing in the thirteenth.
D.J. Snelten (Fr, Minnesota) made his sixth start of the season for the Honkers, coming off his first win of the season last week at St. Cloud. Snelten pitched 6.2 innings allowing four runs on nine hits. Snelten would leave with the lead, but see it diminish and get a no-decision in the game.
Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) would get the start at shortstop for the Honkers, but would get called in to pitch the 10, 11 and 12th innings. Roper would pitch very well for the Honkers, allowing one hit and striking out five batters. Roper would also go 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored. Anthony Hutting (So, Cal State Fullerton) would be the losing pitcher after throwing one inning, allowing one hit and an unearned run.
Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) would continue to slug the ball for the Honkers, hitting his eleventh homerun and picking up three RBI in the game. Johnny was also 3-for-7 on the day. Eric Birch (Jr, U of Mary) was 3-for-6 on the day with an RBI and Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt) went 3-for-6 with three RBI and two runs scored. Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) also had three hits, with an RBI and two runs scored. The Honkers as a team had sixteen hits in thirteen innings at-bat.
The Honkers will have an off-day tomorrow before traveling to Brainerd for three games in two days. They will be back at Mayo Field on Wednesday, August 10 for the final home series of the season. They will take on the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers for three games before traveling to Duluth to finish out the season.
August 5, 2011
Honkers Falter in Extra Innings
(Rochester, MN) – The Honkers would make it an interesting one tonight, losing 10-5 in ten innings to the Alexandria Beetles. The Honkers fall to 13-15, and are now 8.5 games behind the Beetles who are in first place in the North Division.
The Honkers would use a great comeback in the ninth inning to revive all hopes of a win. After allowing one against them in the ninth, the Honkers used a two-RBI single by Seth McMullen (So, Winona State) to tie the game with one out to go. The Honkers would lose the game in the tenth after a three run homerun by Beetles hitting leader Mike Theofanopolous.
Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) would be the rest of the Honkers offense with a Three-run homerun in the third inning, his tenth homerun of the season.
Elliott Engle (Fr, Doane College) would get the start pitching 4.2 innings and taking credit for the first three runs the Beetles would score. Engle would get the no-decision, keeping his season record 0-0 in the short time he has been in Rochester.
The Honkers would send out a platoon of relief pitchers with a depleted bullpen lately. They would look to Zach Ransom (Fr, North Dakota) in the tenth after the Honkers great ninth inning comeback. Ransom would come on with one batter on after the Honkers gave the leadoff batter to McMullen to give more time for Ransom to warm up. McMullen would be credited with the loss after walking the batter that scored the go-ahead run, after Ransom gave up a three-run homerun.
The Honkers and Beetles will have their final match up of the season tomorrow with a 7:05 first pitch at Mayo Field. The Honkers will have D.J. Snelten (Fr, Minnesota) on the mound making his sixth start and eighth appearance overall for the Honkers.
August 4, 2011
(Rochester, MN) – In an almost do-or-die situation for the chance to make the Northwoods Playoffs, the Honkers fell 7-3, to the North Division leader Alexandria Beetles on Thursday night at Mayo Field. The Honkers record is now 13-15 and they are 7.5 games back of the Beetles in the second half race.
The Honkers took a lead in the fifth inning when a two run rally put them ahead 2-1, but the lead was short lived, allowing three more runs in the sixth for a 4-2 lead for the Beetles. That lead would prove to be insurmountable, as the Honkers would only get one more run in the game.
Cody Peterson (Fr, Madison College) made his Honkers debut pitching 6.1 innings and allowing five runs on seven hits. Peterson struck out four batters and walked just two in his first time on the mound with the teal.
The Honkers struggled at the plate, only managing six hits in the game for their three runs. Davy Wright (So, TCU) went 1-for-4 at the plate with an RBI, and Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) went 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored in the game.
The Honkers and Beetles will be back at it tomorrow night for the middle game of the series. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm, and the first 500 fans receive a replica jersey.
August 3, 2011
Honkers Out Done by Stingers
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers dropped their second game in a row to the Willmar Stingers, this time by a score of 6-2, in the last meeting of the two teams in the 2011 season. The Honkers fell to 13-14 in the second half and 6.5 games out of the North Division lead.
The Stingers took an early lead with one run in the first and three in the second. They would scatter two more throughout the game but would be too overwhelming for the Honkers who only managed two runs on six hits.
Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) got the start on the bump for the Honkers, making his eighth start and ninth appearance of the season. Johnson pitched 5.2 innings allowing 4 runs on six hits. He did strike out a season high eight batters while walking just two in the game. Johnson would be the losing pitcher falling to 3-2 on the season.
Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon) continued to hit the ball well after returning from an injury. Hambright went 2-for-3 at the plate with a triple in his first at bat driving in a run. Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) would also have a strong night at the plate going 2-for-4. Anthony Hutting (So, Cal State Fullerton) would go 0-for-2 at the plate but get walked twice in the game, coming around to score both times.
The Honkers will take on the front running Alexandria Beetles in a three game series starting tomorrow, Thursday August 4, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM. The Honkers will have Cody Peterson (Fr, Madison College) making his Rochester debut on the mound with the start.
August 2, 2011
Bullpen Falters in Honkers Loss
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers went into Tuesday night’s game looking to make ground on division leader Alexandria, but failed to, losing to the Willmar Stingers 8-5 in the middle game of the series. The Honkers saw a 5-2 lead evaporate, and fell to 13-13 in the second half, 5.5 games behind Alexandria.
The Honkers would come back from a 2-0 deficit after a strong first inning for the Stingers. Rochester would score two in the third off a homerun by Honker slugger Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State). They would add one more in the fourth inning after another homerun, this one a solo shot by Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon) to put the Honkers up 3-2. A two run inning in the sixth would be the last the Honkers would get, falling to a late rally by the Stingers.
Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) would make his second start since representing the Honkers in the All-Star game. Dolsky would pitch six innings allowing two runs on four hits while fanning five Stingers. Dolsky would leave the game with the Honkers up 3-2 but get a no-decision when the Stingers took the lead in the seventh inning after a five run outburst.
The Honkers would get multiple hits from four batters in the game, getting a dozen hits total during the game. Eight of the nine Honker batters had a hit in the game, out hitting the Stingers by two.
The two teams will play the rubber match tomorrow at 7:05 PM to decide the series winner in the final game of the season versus the Stingers and Honkers. Rochester will then have a series against division leader Alexandria, before five games against Brainerd and two against Duluth to cap the regular season off.
August 1, 2011
McKenzie Out Duels Stingers
(Rochester, MN) – Fresh off four games in two days, the Rochester Honkers picked up another victory down the home stretch. The Honkers defeated the Willmar Stingers 2-1 in walk off fashion Monday night at Mayo Field, off a base hit by Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State). The Honkers now move to 13-12 in the second half, four games behind the Alexandria Beetles for the North Division crown.
Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) got the start on the mound for the Honkers. McKenzie pitched an almost flawless game, pitching eight innings and allowing one run on six hits. He also struck out a season high six batters in what matched his season high of eight innings pitched. McKenzie would get the no-decision, leaving with the score 1-0 in favor of the Stingers.
Rochester native Kyle Sursley (Fr, RCTC) made his Honker debut, pitching a scoreless ninth inning, allowing no hits after hitting the first batter he faced. He would be credited with the win after his lone inning of relief.
Even though the Honkers out hit the Stingers, they couldn’t find a way on the scoreboard until the ninth inning. Down to their last strike, another Honker newcomer Jake Page (Fr, Madison College) singled to center to score Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) who doubled to lead off the inning. Thaut would hit another single up the middle on the next at-bat, scoring Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) who was intentionally walked earlier in the inning, to win the game for the Honkers.
Aside from the walk off hit, Thaut was 3-for-3 on the game with a walk. Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon) also had a strong day at the plate in his return from a concussion he suffered earlier this season, going 3-for-4 at the plate.
The Honkers and Stingers will return to Mayo Field tomorrow for a 7:05 first pitch. The first 500 fans will receive a Honkers Poster upon entering Mayo Field for the game. The Honkers will have Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) on the mound making his second start in the second half of the season.
July 31, 2011
Honkers and Bats Split Sunday
(Rochester, MN) – Coming off a split on Saturday in which the River Bats won game one and Rochester won game two, the two teams reversed it, with the Honkers winning game one of the doubleheader by a score of 7-3 and St. Cloud winning in game two by a score of 6-0 Sunday night in St. Cloud. The split keeps the Honkers record even at 12-12 while they chase the Alexandria Beetles for the North Division second half championship.
The Honkers started the day strong, scoring three runs in the first inning of game number one. They would add to it with two more in the second before allowing St. Cloud to score two more in their half of the second to make the score 5-2 after two. The Honkers would add two more in the fourth before a late rally by the River Bats would give them one final run in the seventh.
The Honkers were led at the plate by catcher, Spencer Navin (Fr, Vanderbilt) and Davy Wright (So, TCU). Navin would go 4-for-4 at the plate in the first game while scoring and driving in one run, and Wright would go 1-for-4 while driving in three Honker runs.
The Honkers got a complete game out of pitcher D.J. Snelten (Fr, Minnesota) who only allowed three hits on the game along with three runs. It was Snelten’s first victory of the season, making his record 1-2 this year.
The Honkers would not be as fortunate in game number two, losing 6-0 to St. Cloud. The Honkers could not get the bats going in the game, only getting two hits in the game to the River Bats five runs and eight hits.
Wright would add one more hit in the game and Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) went 1-for-2 at the plate, earning the Honkers only two hits. Navin would go 0-for-3 but finish the day 4-for-7 overall at the plate.
Ben Heairet (So, Augustana) would get his first start of the season after pitching just one third of an inning previously for the Honkers. Heairet went four innings allowing three runs on three hits while striking out three batters.
The Honkers will return home for a six-game home stand against the Willmar Stingers and the Alexandria Beetles, rounding out the season against those two teams. All six games will start at 7:05 pm, starting on Monday, August 1. On Monday’s game against Willmar, the Honkers will host the Patriot Flag, a flag touring 50 stats in 50 weeks, and will be making its first and only scheduled stop in Minnesota at the game at Mayo Field.
July 30, 2011
Honkers Split Saturday Doubleheader in St. Cloud
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers travelled to St. Cloud for a pair of double headers this weekend and split in the first half of the weekend on Saturday in St. Cloud. The Honkers would drop game one by a score of 11-0 and rebound in game two, winning 6-5 in eight innings at Joe Faber Field.
The River Bats used a four run first inning in game one to lead themselves to an 11-0 victory over the Honkers. Rochester would only muster up six hits in the game, two of them were doubles off the bat of Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State).
Drew Bowen (RsJr, Oral Roberts) would get the start on the mound for the Honkers in game one but a 35 pitch first inning would end the game early for him, forcing him to be removed from the game. Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) and Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) would pitch the remainder of the game, both getting hit hard by St. Cloud in the loss.
The River Bats would start game two like they did game one by scoring in the first inning, this time it was just one run however. The Honkers would come back in the top of the fifth with a five run inning. The Honkers would score their five runs on just one hit. All five runs would be recorded as unearned runs with two errors made in the inning. The River Bats would tie it up in their half of the fifth and the game would remain tied through seven to force extra innings.
The Honkers would add one run in the extra inning after Coy led the inning off with a single. A pass ball would advance him to second and a fielder’s choice to third before Anthony Hutting (So, Cal State Fullerton) drove him in on a fielders choice. That would be all the Honkers would need, as closer Austin House (So, New Mexico) finished up his three innings of work by closing the door on the River Bats and getting the win in game two.
Coy went 1-for-3 in game two, adding a single to his two doubles in the first game going 3-for-6 in the double header. As a team the Honkers would only manage two hits in game number two, the other one by Hutting.
The Honkers got a great jolt out of their defense with a 5-4-3-2 triple play in the bottom of the fourth inning, to get out of a jam with runners on the corners. The batter grounded the ball to third baseman Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) who threw to second baseman Davy Wright (So, TCU) for out number one. Wright then threw to Coy at first base for the double play. Coy would then catch the runner on third base trying to take home and gun the ball to catcher Brett Hambright (Jr, Oregon) for the tag out at home and a triple play.
The two teams will be back at it for at least 14 more innings tomorrow when they finish up their season with each other at Joe Faber Field. First pitch in game one is scheduled for 6:05 pm with game two following the conclusion of game one.
July 29, 2011
Honkers Swept in Willmar
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers would seek a win to split the series in Willmar on Friday night, but would come up empty handed, losing 8-5 to the Stingers. The loss lowers the Honkers record to 10-10 in the second half and pushes them 4.5 games behind the Alexandria Beetles for first place in the North Division.
The Honkers would jump ahead in the second inning when Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) hit his third home run of the season, putting the Honkers up 1-0. Willmar would respond in the bottom half of the same inning scoring three runs on three hits. The Honkers would tie it up in the fourth and take the lead in the fifth going up 4-3, but that would be the last lead the Honkers would have. A three run sixth inning by the Stingers would prove too much for Rochester and give the Stingers the victory.
Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) got the start for the Honkers, making his ninth start of the season. Siefken had found success against the Stingers early in the season but would be less fortunate tonight, allowing 14 hits and seven runs in the game. Siefken would get the loss, falling to 2-5 on the season.
Aside from Roper’s home run, the Honkers were also led at the plate by Davy Wright (So, TCU) and Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) who both had a two hit game. Wright would go 2-for-3 at the plate with a walk and a run scored, and Mattingly would go 2-for-4 at the plate. The three would account for over half of the Honkers eight hits.
The Honkers now travel to St. Cloud to play four games against the River Bats in two days, making up games rained out from the June series in St. Cloud. Game one of the double header will start at 6:05 pm, with game number two starting thirty minutes following the conclusion of the game. All four games will be seven innings.
The Patriot Flag is Coming 8/1/2011
(Rochester, MN) –On Monday, August 1st, 2011, the Rochester Honkers will be displaying the Patriot Flag at Mayo Field. The Patriot Flag, honoring those who have fallen on 9/11/2001, has been traveling to all of the 50 United States before it flies in Shanksville, PA, Arlington, VA and Manhattan N.Y.C on the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11.
Come out and show your American Pride on 8/1/2011.
All Military Personal both active and retired who show their military I.D. will gain admission for Free.
The First 500 Fans will also receive a Free Set of Hometown Hero Trading Cards courtesy of the D.A.V. These Cards have local servicemen and women in them along with some of your favorite Rochester Honkers, including Slider!
Gates Open at 6:00pm on Monday, August 1st with first pitch at 7:05pm.
Mayo Field is currently the ONLY location in the state of Minnesota that the Patriot Flag will be flown!
God Bless America!
July 28, 2011
Honkers Fall in Willmar, 7-3
(Rochester, MN) – In their first meeting with the Willmar Stingers since June 13, the Rochester Honkers dropped game one of a two game series 7-3, Thursday night at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar. The loss causes the Honkers to fall to 10-9 in the second half, trailing the Alexandria Beetles by 3.5 games.
The Stingers would take an early 1-0 lead in the second inning with a home run, and then add to that in the third with two more big fly’s to take a 3-0 lead. The Honkers would get one run in the fourth and then tie the game up in the seventh before losing it in the bottom of the eighth following a four run eighth inning by the Stingers.
The Honkers would get a short start out of their starting pitcher D.J. Snelten (Fr, Minnesota). Though he only allowed one run on one hit, Snelten threw over the maximum pitch mark for an inning of 35 in the second inning, forcing him to leave the game. The Honkers would get a solid effort of relief out of Tim Peterson (So, Western Nevada), throwing five innings, and allowing four runs on six hits while striking out eight. Peterson would leave the game with two runners on and a tie game, but be credited with the loss after one of those runners scored the go-ahead run.
The Honkers got another solid day at the plate from lead off man Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt). Kemp went 2-for-3 at the plate with one RBI, improving his batting average to .333 on the season. Bryan Karraker (Jr, New Mexico State) would have his second consecutive multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 with a run scored. Karraker upped his batting average to .288 on the season today.
The two teams will face each other again tomorrow for the final game of the short series. The Honkers will then travel to St. Cloud and play four games in two days against the River Bats. Rochester will have Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran College) on the mound tomorrow, making his ninth start of the season. Siefken leads all Honker pitchers in innings pitched this season. First pitch Friday night in Willmar is 7:05 pm.
July 27, 2011
Honkers Take Series Finale
(Rochester, MN) – The Honkers needed a win against the Mankato MoonDogs to stay within three games of the Alexandria Beetles today. The Honkers did just that, winning 4-3 and salvaging the series after Mankato won games one and two. The Honkers are now 10-8 in the second half, eclipsing their win total from the first half where they went 9-23.
Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) got the nod on the mound in the game for the Honkers, making his seventh start of the season. Johnson lasted 5.2 innings before leaving the game to the bullpen, allowing three runs on seven hits and tied his season high with five strikeouts.
A duo of pitchers in Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) and Adam Hoelscher (Texas A&M Corpus Christi) would take over for the next 2.1 innings collectively allowing no hits or runs heading into the ninth inning. Austin House (So, New Mexico) would come into the game and close the door on the MoonDogs, getting his seventh save of the season. House would make it interesting after getting two outs after Shaun Cooper got on with an error, House would strike out the final batter, clinching the win for Rochester.
Bryan Karraker (Jr, New Mexico State) would lead the team in batting in the game, going 2-for-4 and driving in one run on the game. (Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) would get back to his typical play after going 0-for-4 on Tuesday, going 1-for-4 in the game with his eighth homerun and drove in two runs, number 33 and 34 on the season.
This will be the last the Honkers and MoonDogs see of each other until a possible playoff match up if the Honkers are able to capture the second half title. The Honkers will travel to Willmar and St. Cloud for two games in Willmar and two doubleheaders in St. Cloud before coming back for a six game home stand at Mayo Field. The home stand starts on Monday, August 1 when the Willmar Stingers come to town. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.
July 26, 2011
Honkers Drop Game in Mankato
(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers travelled to Mankato today to take on the Mankato MoonDogs in an early afternoon game, part of a three game series with alternating home field between the two. The Honkers would come up just short in the game, losing 4-3, Tuesday afternoon in Mankato. With the loss the Honkers now fall to 9-8 on the season.
The Honkers would score all three of their runs in the third inning after a few timely singles, but the MoonDogs would answer shortly. Mankato would score two runs in the bottom of the third and then add two more in the bottom of the fourth and cruise to a victory from there.
The Honkers had their lone All-Star Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) on the mound, making his first start since the early parts of the season. Dolsky would have a short start however, getting pulled after 4.1 innings. He would allow four runs on three hits and strike out three batters. Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) would be the lone reliever on the day for the Honkers, closing the door allowing just one hit in 3.2 innings of relief and no runs.
The top of the Honkers order was affective at the plate today with both Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt) and Anthony Hutting (So, Cal State Fullerton) going 2-for-4 in the game. Kemp and Hutting would each score one run in the game, and Hutting would add a RBI.
The Honkers and MoonDogs will have over 24 hours until their next game, when they travel back to Rochester for a 7:05 pm game tomorrow night at Mayo Field. The Honkers will have Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) on the mound, making his second to final start of the season. The Honkers will then travel to Willmar and St. Cloud for two games in each before coming home for a six-game home stand.
July 25, 2011
Honkers Lose in Home Run Filled Game
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers fell in a home run filled game by a score of 7-4 on Monday at Mayo Field. The game featured five home runs, including the seventh of the season by Honker home run leader Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) for the Honkers lone home run.
Honkers starting pitcher Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) would struggle with home runs in the game, allowing four in his six innings of work. He would pitch well otherwise, only allowing five runs on eight hits with all four home runs coming with nobody on. He would take the loss and fall to 1-2 on the season.
Elliott Engle (Fr, Doane College) would pitch three innings of relief, making his Honker debut and becoming the 40th player this season to play for the Honkers. Engle allowed two runs on two hits and struck out three in his debut.
The Honkers would continue to be tormented by Northwoods League home run leader, Shaun Cooper. Cooper went yard twice in the game, extending his lead in the league with 16 on the season and inching closer to the NWL All-Time home run record of 19 set by Jason Washam who was a Honker in 1994.
Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) would be the offensive leader for the Honkers, going 2-for-4 at the plate with two runs batted.
The Honkers and MoonDogs will travel to Mankato for a 1:05 pm game tomorrow, and then come back to Rochester for the final game of the series on Wednesday at 7:05 pm at Mayo Field.
Honkers to Host Diamond Diaper Drive
(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) are hosting Mayo Field’s first ever Diamond Diaper Drive on Wednesday, July 27 at 7:05 pm against the Mankato MoonDogs.
With the tagline “No Child Wet Behind!” ACOG plans to donate the diapers to the WIC program and Family Services of Rochester to be distributed to under privileged women in Olmsted County. There are currently over 1,800 children in Rochester that are in need of diapers, and you can help make a difference.
Fans can donate diapers at the game, or before by dropping them off at the Rochester Honkers office, which is located at 307 East Center Street, Rochester, MN 55904, during normal business hours. The fans will then be rewarded with two tickets to the Rochester Honkers game on July 27 against the Mankato MoonDogs at 7:05 pm. Come donate diapers and cheer on the Honkers at 7:05 pm on July 27 at Mayo Field!
July 24, 2011
Honkers Take Series Against Cats
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers picked up their third series win of the season beating the Thunder Bay Border Cats 6-3 Sunday at Mayo Field. The Honkers took two of three at home and three of five total against the Border Cats spanning over the past four days.
Drew Bowen (RsJr, Oral Roberts) got the start for the Honkers on the mound, pitching 6.1 innings and leaving with the no decision and the game tied at three. Bowen allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out four batters. Bowen did allow three home runs on the game, all were with nobody on base.
The Honkers would then hand the game over to the bullpen, bringing in Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) with a runner on second. Jakubov would get the next two batters out, stranding the runner on base and then yielding to Adam Hoelscher (So, Texas A&M Corpus Christi) for the eighth inning. Hoelscher would allow one hit and strike out one batter for a scoreless eighth inning, and then hit a rough patch in the ninth inning, allowing a walk and a hit, eventually stranding both and picking up the save for the Honkers.
Seth McMullen (So, Winona State) would get the Honkers on the board in the second, hitting his first home run of the season, a line drive home run to straight left field. McMullen would follow up with a walk in the later innings scoring another run. Brett Hambright (Jr, Oregon) led the Honkers in batting in today’s game, going 2-for-4 including the go-ahead hit for the second straight day. The Honkers would send ten different batters to the plate and get production out of all but two of them, spreading the hits out well.
The Honkers will now play a three game series against Mankato starting tomorrow. The series will alternate home field with the Honkers getting the first and third game at Mayo Field, while travelling to Mankato on Tuesday. First pitch tomorrow is scheduled for 7:05 pm. Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) will get the nod on the mound tomorrow, making his fifth start. McKenzie is 1-1 on the season.
July 23, 2011
Honkers Tie Up Series
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers came into tonight’s game looking for redemption after last night’s loss to the Thunder Bay Border Cats. The Honkers got exactly what they wanted, winning by a score of 7-5 in a game that featured many lead changes Saturday night at Mayo Field.
Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) continued to hit very well for the Honkers. Coy went 3-for-4 with one RBI on the day. Coy now has 31 runs batted in and is climbing the league leader board.
Davy Wright (So, TCU) also had a solid day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored in the Honkers win. One of his two hits was a double, his 16th double of the season, which is the third highest in the league.
Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) got the start on the mound for the Honkers picking up his second win of the season. Siefken pitched seven innings allowing five runs on six hits. He also struck out a season high seven batters while only walking two.
The Honkers got two innings of solid relief, out of Tim Peterson (So, Western Nevada) and Austin House (So, New Mexico). Peterson rebounded in the eighth inning after walking the first batter and got three outs in a row, setting up House who got his sixth save of the season. House pitched a near perfect ninth, walking one batter and stranding him at first.
The two teams will play the rubber match tomorrow in a Sunday matinee. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm at Mayo Field. The Honkers will have Drew Bowen (RsJr, Oral Roberts) on the mound. Bowen will look to rebound after a loss against Alexandria before the All-Star Break.
July 22, 2011
Honkers Drop Game to Thunder Bay
(Rochester, MN) – After two games in Thunder Bay, the Rochester Honkers and Thunder Bay Border Cats made the international trip to Rochester for three more games. The Border Cats won by a score of 8-6 Friday night at Mayo Field, taking a series lead 2-1, with two games left in the second half series between the two teams.
D.J. Snelten (Fr, Minnesota) got the start for the Honkers, going four innings allowing five runs on six hits while striking out seven. Snelten got the loss on the day, falling to a 0-2 record, his second loss in a row.
Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) continued his assault on the RBI leader boards with three more today. Coy went 1-for-5 with a double and a run scored along with the three runs batted in. Coy is now sitting with 30 runs batted this season and is in fourth place in the league overall. Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) also had a productive day at bat going 2-for-3 at the dish. Thaut also drove in one and scored one run on the game.
The Honkers fell into an early hole allowing two runs to cross the plate in the first inning. They would battle back in the fourth with a four run inning, led by the double off the bat of Coy. It would be all Border Cat control from there on, scoring five runs before the Honkers could answer with two more, which would not be enough.
The two teams will be back at it for two more games this weekend. Tomorrow’s game will be at 7:05 pm, followed by a matinee Sunday, July 24 at 1:05 pm. The Honkers will follow that up with a three game series, alternating home field advantage with Mankato. The series will start in Rochester Monday, travel to Mankato and then be back to Rochester again for the final game on Wednesday.
July 21, 2011
Honkers Split Doubleheader
(Rochester, MN) – After dropping game number one of the double header to the Thunder Bay Border Cats by a score of 4-3, the Honkers put together an 11 run first inning in game two devastating the Border Cats and eventually winning 13-2. The split cause both teams records to move to 7-5, right behind league leader Alexandria.
The Honkers would find themselves down 3-1 in the ninth inning but would tie it up. Bryan Karraker (Jr, New Mexico State) would lead the inning off and get hit by the pitch and then score on a double two batters later by Davy Wright (So, TCU). Wright would eventually score on a hit, to tie it up for the Honkers. Thunder Bay would respond in their half of the inning to win the game in dramatic fashion.
Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) would get the start in game one, pitching a scoreless first three innings before the rain caused the game to be finished today. Adam Hoelscher (So, Texas A&M Corpus Christi) would get the loss in game number one, pitching 2.1 innings of relief and allowing two runs on three hits.
The Honkers would respond quickly in game two, scoring seven runs in the first inning and batting around the order before making the first out of the game, eventually giving starting pitcher Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) an 11 run cushion to start the game. Johnson would not need that big of a cushion pitching six innings and allowing two runs on three hits, and striking out five batters. Johnson improved his season record to 2-1 in six starts.
Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) led the Honkers in game one, going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Coy would follow up a superb performance in game one with an absolutely goliath performance in game two. Coy would go 4-4 with eight RBI and three runs scored and two home runs. The first of the two home runs was a grand slam coming in his second at bat of the first inning. Six of his eight RBI came in the Honkers huge first inning.
The only other Honker to have multiple hits in game two was Brett Hambright (Jr, Oregon). Hambright went 2-for-3 with a run and two RBI before being lifted for a replacement.
The Honkers and Border Cats will both make the trip down to Rochester for the final three games of the series at Mayo Field. First pitch is slated for 7:05pm. The Honkers will have D.J. Snelten (Fr, Minnesota) pitching tomorrow, making his third start of the season.
July 20, 2011
Honkers and Border Cats Washed Out
(Rochester, MN) – Today's game between the Honkers and the Thunder Bay Border Cats is currently in a rain delay. The game was tied 0-0 in the fourth inning when a torrential down pour hit the Thunder Bay area. The game will be finished tomorrow at 5:35 pm with the regular scheduled game to follow.
The game was originally delayed due to technical difficulties at the ball park, and lasted just four innings before the rain storms came and washed all hopes of a finished ballgame.
The Honkers and Border Cats will travel to Rochester after the conclusion of tomorrow’s games and play a three game series in Rochester. First pitch on Friday, July 22 is scheduled for 7:05 pm at Mayo Field.
July 16, 2011
Honkers Swept by Beetles
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers continued to struggle in Alexandria, dropping their second game in a row, and fifth game of the season in Alexandria, 17-4 at Knute Nelson Memorial Park. The Honkers record drops to 6-4 in the second half, and Alexandria will take over first place in the North Division with the win.
The Beetles would strike early and often, scoring in six of eight innings they had at-bats, including a seven-run second inning. The Honkers would not find the scoreboard until the fifth when Bryan Karraker (Jr, New Mexico State) drove in Seth McMullen (So, Winona State) and Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt). The two runs would only put a dent in the already large Alexandria lead, making the score 11-2 for the time being. The Beetles would continue to respond, crossing the plate six more times in the game.
Karraker went 4-for-5 at the plate in the game, driving in two of the Honkers runs and getting almost half of all Honker hits. Brett Hambright (Jr, Oregon) would hit his second home run of the season to lead off the seventh inning. Hambright finished the game 2-for-4.
Honkers starting pitcher Drew Bowen (Jr, Oral Roberts) would never find a groove, pitching the first two innings and allowing nine runs on as many hits. The Honkers bullpen would also get roughed up, with Alexandria scoring their 17 runs on 17 hits.
The Honkers will regroup over the three day long All-Star break before travelling to Thunder Bay for a two game series against the Border Cats. Both teams will then travel to Rochester for a three game set in Rochester starting on Friday, July 22 at 7:05 PM. The Honkers have on player in the All-Star game, pitcher Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska). Dolsky posted a 2-1 record so far this season with a 3.6 ERA in 25 innings.
July 15, 2011
Honkers Drop Second in a Row
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers travelled to Alexandria today after a successful six-game home stand in which they won five games. The Honkers would lose 8-4, dropping their second game in a row and falling to 6-3 in the second half, still holding on to the top spot in the North Division.
The Honkers would get a quick start to the game, scoring right away in the first inning following a lead off triple by Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt). The Honkers would be led offensively by the aforementioned Kemp and Anthony Hutting (So, Cal State Fullerton) who went 3-for-4 in the game with two RBI.
Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) would get the start on the mound for the Honkers, making his second start in Alexandria this season and seventh overall. Siefken went 5.2 innings allowing five runs on six hits before yielding to the bullpen. Siefken left the game with the loss, as the score was 5-1 when he left.
The Honkers would get an offensive rally in their half of the sixth, to pull within two runs, but the Honkers bullpen would let up three more runs in the Beetles half to stretch the gap to 8-3. The Honkers would get one run in the ninth inning off a home run by Bryan Karraker (Jr, New Mexico State) but that would be it, with the Honkers falling 8-4.
The Honkers and Beetles will finish up their two game series tomorrow, before heading into the three day long All-Star Break. The Honkers will have just one representative in the game, pitcher Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska). The Honkers will then travel to Thunder Bay for two games against the Border Cats before returning home on Friday July 22 at 7:05 pm, to play the Border Cats in three more games at Mayo Field.
July 14, 2011
Honkers End Streak, Fall 8-5 to Bats
(Rochester, MN) – With a six game home stand sweep in sight, the Rochester Honkers fell to the St. Cloud River Bats, 8-5, snapping a five-game winning streak Thursday night at Mayo Field. The Honkers are now 6-2 in the second half and still hold the top spot in the division.
The River Bats took an early lead, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning, and two more in the fourth. The Honkers wouldn’t retaliate until the fifth inning when they added two runs of their own to cut the lead in half. St. Cloud would never relinquish their lead however, holding off a Honker rally in the ninth, and securing the victory.
D.J. Snelten (Fr, Minnesota) would get his second start of the season on the mound for the Honkers. Snelten got a no-decision in his first start, a game the Honkers lost in Mankato. Snelten pitched 5.2 innings allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out seven batters. Snelten would get the loss on the game, his first decision of the season, falling to 0-1.
The Honkers were led offensively by Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon) who went 2-for-4 with two RBI on the game. Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt) also continued to swing the bat well, going 2-for-4 as well, scoring a run and driving one in. Kemp is batting .348 in his five games so far this season.
The Honkers will travel to Alexandria tomorrow for a two game series against the Beetles. The last trip to Alexandria the Honkers made, they were swept in a three game series, part of ten games in a row the Honkers dropped. The Honkers will have Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) on the mound, making his seventh start of the season. The first pitch is slated for 7:05 pm at Knute Nelson Memorial Park. The Honkers will return home Friday, July 22 against Thunder Bay at 7:05 pm.
July 13, 2011
McKenzie Mystifies River Bats
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers came out with guns blazing, getting three runs in the first two innings of Wednesday night’s game against the St. Cloud River Bats. That would be all the Honkers would need, as starting pitcher Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) would hold off the River Bats, and the Honkers would win 3-2 from Mayo Field.
McKenzie gave the Honkers one of the best pitching performances of the season, going 8.0 innings, allowing just two runs on two hits. McKenzie brought a no-hitter into the sixth inning, before the River Bats struck for back-to-back hits with one out in the inning. McKenzie’s performance would earn him his first win of the season and improve his record to 1-1.
The Honkers offense was jumpstarted early, when Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt) led the Honkers in the bottom of the first inning with a double to deep center. Kemp would be bunted over to second and then Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) would single to center, scoring Kemp to give Rochester a 1-0 lead.
The Honkers would get two more runs in the second inning off RBI singles from Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) and Aaron Jones (Fr, Oregon) to add to their lead. The Honkers were led at the plate by both Vanderbilt players on the team. Kemp went 3-for-5 with a run and his collegiate teammate Spencer Navin (Fr, Vanderbilt) went 2-for-3 with a run as well.
Austin House (So, New Mexico) would get his fifth save of the season, and fourth in five games, pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning, sealing the Honkers victory.
The win clinched the series for the Honkers, who will go for a series, and home stand sweep tomorrow when the River Bats are back for a final game of the series. First pitch is slated for 7:05 pm at Mayo Field. D.J. Snelten (Fr, Minnesota) will be on the mound for the Honkers, making his second start of the season.
July 12, 2011
Ducks Lead Honkers to 10-9 Win
(Rochester, MN) – Riding their longest winning streak of the season, the Honkers added to it in this afternoon’s ballgame, winning by a score of 10-9 at Mayo Field over the St. Cloud River Bats. The Honkers are now 5-1 in the first half, and have won every game in this home stand.
Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) got the start on the mound for Rochester. After a few rough starts earlier this season, Johnson put together his longest start of the year, pitching five innings, and allowing five runs on six hits.
Honkers All-Star Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) would attempt to close the game out in the ninth inning. Dolsky would run into trouble, giving up two singles and a run before being removed with two outs. The River Bats had a chance to tie the game, but a great throw from left fielder Aaron Jones (Fr, Oregon) cut down the tying run at the plate for the second out of the ninth.
Austin House (So, New Mexico) would get his fourth save of the year, coming in to relieve Dolsky with one out remaining. House would give up a hit, but still manage to get the save, forcing the next batter to ground out to first base.
The game featured 27 hits by the two teams combined, with 12 for Rochester and 15 for St. Cloud. Every Honker in the starting lineup scored a run or got a hit on the day.
The Honkers offense was jump started by the trio of Oregon Ducks in the lineup. Brett Hambright (Jr, Oregon) had a goliath day at the plate for the Honkers, driving his first career Northwoods League home run, a grand slam at that, over the left field wall in the first inning. Hambright finished the game 2-for-2 with two walks. His younger brother, Ryan Hambright also had a great day, going 3-for-5 at the plate, while scoring a run. Outfielder Aaron Jones (Fr, Oregon) went 3-for-5 keeping his bat hot. Combined, the Oregon Ducks went 8-for-12 at the plate, getting all but four of the Honkers hits.
The Honkers and the River Bats will have a little over 24 hours until they return to Mayo Field for game two of this three game series. Game time tomorrow is 7:05 PM. The Honkers will have Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) on the mound, making his third start of the season.
July 11, 2011
Bullpen Shuts Down Huskies
(Rochester, MN) – Looking for their first three-game series sweep of the season, the newly rejuvenated Rochester Honkers took on the Duluth Huskies today. The Honkers beat the Huskies 8-5 to earn the sweep, and improve their record to 4-1 in the second half, and perched atop the division.
Bennett Klimesh (Jr, Trinity College) got the start for the Honkers, coming off a rough outing where he was lifted 1.1 innings into the game. Klimesh continued to struggle, only going two innings into the game before getting pulled for the bullpen.
Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) made his team high 12th appearance out of the bullpen, pitching four innings, allowing no hits and no runs, while walking four, and striking out three batters. Jakubov would be the winning pitcher on the game for his first victory of the season.
The Honkers lone All-Star representative Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) would come in for the save. After getting the first batter to fly out to left, the second to ground out to the shortstop, and then finished the game with a grounder to second to record the third win in a row for the Teal.
The Honkers were led in the field and at the plate by Aaron Jones (Fr, Oregon). Not only did Jones go 2-for-4 in the game, with a home run and two RBI, but Jones threw two base runners out attempting to steal
Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt) made his Honker debut yesterday going 0-for-4, but turned it around today going 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Johnny Coy (Jr, Wichita State) continued to swing the bat well also, going 2-for-5 with two RBI and one run.
The Honkers will finish their six-game home stand with three games against the St. Cloud River Bats, starting tomorrow with a Tuesday matinee at 1:05 tomorrow. Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) will be on the mound for the Honkers, looking to continue the Honkers winning streak and maintain their lead in the North Division.
July 10, 2011
Bowen Tames Huskies, Honkers Win 3-1
(Rochester, MN) – A slightly rejuvenated Rochester Honkers team has started the second half strong, going into today’s game with the Duluth Huskies .The Honkers took that newfound energy to the Huskies, winning 3-1 behind a strong pitching performance by Drew Bowen (Jr, Oral Roberts).
Bowen pitched seven innings, allowing just four hits and one run, which was unearned. Bowen lowered his season ERA to 3.33, and making his record 2-2 in four starts.
Austin House (So, New Mexico) would come in to pitch the ninth inning for the second consecutive day. House shutout the Huskies in the ninth, striking out the side for his third save of the season.
Bowen’s counterpart Dane Gronewald took a no-hitter into the bottom of the fifth, before the Honkers solved him. Davy Wright (So, TCU) followed up a 3-for-3 performance last night with a double in his second at-bat to break up the no hitter. Wright would eventually come around to score that inning on a hit by Brett Hambright (Jr, Oregon). Hambright would eventually come around to score on a wild pitch. Wright would finish the game 2-for-3, his second multi hit game with two runs scored. He has eight hits in 14 at-bats over the last four games.
Tony Kemp (Fr, Vanderbilt) made his Honker debut after Vanderbilt made a long run in the NCAA College World Series. Kemp went 0-for-4 at the plate, while making two putouts in left field.
The Honkers and Huskies will finish the series tomorrow at 7:05 pm, as the Honkers will look for their first three game sweep of the season. The Honkers are now 3-1 in the second half. The Honkers are in game three of a six game home stand tomorrow, and will take on St. Cloud on Tuesday at 1:05 pm.
July 9, 2011
Honkers Hurdle Huskies, 4-3
(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers returned to Mayo Field for the first time in six days and for the first time in the second half to take on the Duluth Huskies. The Honkers squeaked by with the win by a score of 4-3, upping their second half record to 2-1. The Honkers continued their success against Duluth, as they had the Huskies number in the first half, sweeping a two game series in early June.
Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) got the start on the mound for the Honkers making his sixth start and seventh appearance on the season. He pitched 6.2 innings allowing nine hits and one earned run, getting his first win on the season and improving his record to 1-3.
Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) was first in relief of Siefken, pitching 1.1 innings allowing one run on two hits. He also hit one batter which brought in an inherited runner from Siefken, for the only run that Siefken allowed.
Austin House (So, New Mexico) finished up the game for the Honkers, picking up his second save of the season. The ninth inning didn’t lack in drama however, as House allowed two hits, each not leaving the infield, and two errors by the defense, allowing the third Husky run to cross.
Davy Wright (So, TCU) went 3-for-3 with a run scored and one RBI on the day, upping his average to .281 on the season. Scott Thornburg (Jr, Creighton) drove in the deciding runs for the Honkers with a two-run homerun in the seventh inning.
Aaron Jones (Fr, Oregon) was a terror on the base paths today, stealing four bases. Jones also went 1-for-3 at the plate with a walk.
The Honkers and Huskies will play the middle game of a three game series tomorrow in a 1:05 pm matinee at Mayo Field. The Honkers will have Drew Bowen (RsJr, Oral Roberts) on the mound, making his fifth start of the season. The two teams will finish up their series on Monday at 7:05 pm, before the Honkers take on the St. Cloud River Bats at Mayo Field on Tuesday evening.
Dolsky Selected to Northwoods League All-Star Game
Pitcher Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) was selected to represent the Rochester Honkers in the 2011 Northwoods League All-Star game in Wisconsin Rapids on July 18. Dolsky is the lone Honker selected for the mid-season all-star team. Dolsky has appeared in ten games for the Honkers, with a record of 2-1. Eight of his ten appearances have been as a relief pitcher, where he has performed very well. In 21 innings, he has an ERA of 2.57 and 24 strikeouts, allowing just 19 hits.
Dolsky is a native of Apple Valley, Minnesota, and is the only Minnesota native on the Honkers active roster. This is his second year as a Honker and first All-Star selection in the Northwoods league. He has spent the past two seasons as a member of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. In seven appearances at Nebraska, Dolsky had a 1.04 ERA and 8.2 innings pitched. In those eight innings he struck out 10 batters.
The 2011 Northwoods League All-Star Game festivities kick off on Sunday, July 17th, the day before the game. At 2 pm it’s the Marshfield Clinic Home Run Health Fest. That will be followed by the Northwoods League Home Run Derby at 4:30. The Field of Dreams Ghost Players game will begin at 6:05. On Monday, July 18th, the festivities begin at noon with the All-Star Luncheon at Hotel Mead featuring Hall of Famer Paul Molitor. The All-Stars will participate in a scouting combine during the afternoon. Gates will open at Witter Field at 6:00 for the 17th annual Northwoods League All-Star Game, which starts at 7:05.
The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America.
For More Information go to www.northwoodsleague.com.
July 8, 2011
Honkers Tie in Top of 9 but fall 5-4
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers looked to win their second consecutive game this evening in Mankato but the MoonDogs scored one in the bottom of the 9th on a walk-off walk to win the game 5-4 and split the series.
D.J. Snelten (Minnesota) started for the Honkers, going 5.0 innings, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out eight. He did however walk six in his second start of the season. Snelten would leave the game with a lead, but would get the no decision.
Johnny Coy (Wichita State) once again gave the Honkers the early lead with a solo home run in the first inning. Mankato scored a single in the bottom to tie the game at 1. The two teams would trade runs in the second and then see Rochester score a single run in the 5th to take the 3-2 lead. Mankato then rallied for two runs in the 6th to take the 4-3.
Rochester was down to their last two strikes in the top of the 9th when a rare balk was called to score Scott Thornburg (Creighton) from third.
Mankato would then load the bases in the bottom with no outs versus the Honkers newest pitcher, Adam Hoelscher (Texas A&M Corpus Christi), courtesy of 2 walks and a hit. With the count full and bases loaded, Hoelscher walked the winning run, giving the MoonDogs the 5-4 victory.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Johnny Coy who went 2-5 with a homerun and a single.
Rochester returns home Saturday night to begin a six-game home stand, three versus Duluth and three versus St. Cloud. Game time Saturday night is 7:05pm.
Due to technical difficulties in Mankato, a box score is unavailable.
July 7, 2011
Honkers Use 19 Hits to Break Slump
(Rochester, MN) – The slates were wiped clean today when the Honkers traveled to Mankato, to take on the MoonDogs in the opening game of the second half. The Honkers would start the second half in the opposite direction they started the season against the MoonDogs, with a 19 hit, and nine run offensive output, to finally break out of their slump and get a win, 9-4.
Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) made his second start of the season for the Honkers after one prior start against Brainerd where he earned the loss. McKenzie took the no decision today, pitching 5.2 innings, allowing three runs on three hits and five strikeouts. McKenzie ran into some control problems, walking three batters and hitting three on the day. McKenzie left the game with a 3-1 score and the MoonDogs up.
Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) came in relief of McKenzie, and had been pitching well out of the bullpen for the Honkers in the first half. Dolsky picked up the win in relief, pitching an absolute gem of a game, 3.1 innings allowing just one run on three hits and striking out five batters. Dolsky didn’t run into a snag until the final out, allowing the one run with just one batter to go.
The Honkers used a huge seventh inning to break the slump that has seen them not win a game since June 24 at Duluth. A five run offensive output helped ease the tension in the Honkers dugout, helping them come back from a two run deficit.
The Honkers had a season best day at the plate, scoring 9 runs on 19 hits, peppering the ball all over the field. Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) had his second consecutive three RBI game, this time with a home run in his first at-bat, following with two singles and a double, going 4-for-5 at the plate.
Anthony Hutting (So, Cal State Fullerton) was a homerun shy of the cycle, going 4-for- 4 on the day with a walk. Hutting started his day with a bunt single, and an overthrow that sent him all the way to third base, he followed the single up with a double, then a triple and another single, in that order.
The Honkers will look for a sweep tomorrow, taking on the MoonDogs again at 7:05 pm at Franklin Rogers Park. D.J. Snelten (Fr, Minnesota) will make his first start of the season for the Honkers, making a spot start in place of Bennett Klimesh (Jr, Trinity College). With a 1-0 record in the second half, the Honkers are now tied for the lead in the North Division. The Honkers will return home on Saturday July 9, when they take on the Duluth Huskies at 7:05 pm, at Mayo Field.
July 6, 2011
Honkers Fall, Finish First Half 9-23
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers Baseball club finished out their rough first half of the 2011 campaign today in a somber fashion, falling to the Alexandria Beetles, 13-4. The Honkers’ 9-23 record, was the worst in the Northwoods League North Division, and higher than only one team in the South Division, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters.
Eric Davila (Fr, Sonoma State) made his second start of the season earning the loss. Davila pitched three innings, allowing eight runs on six hits before yielding to three pitchers out of the Honkers bullpen. For the second night in a row, Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) was forced to leave the game after one inning due to a pitch count of exactly 35. Johnson was able to pitch on no days rest because he only threw 35 pitches.
Austin House (So, New Mexico) pitched three solid innings of relief, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out two, before handing the eighth inning off to D.J. Snelten (Fr, Minnesota). Snelten pitched a scoreless inning for the Honkers, striking out two of the three batters he faced.
Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) had another productive day at the plate, driving in three runs with a double in the third inning, to put the Honkers in the lead for a brief moment.
The Honkers will get a clean slate come tomorrow’s game against the Mankato MoonDogs. The MoonDogs were the first half champions of the North Division with a record of 23-10. The Honkers will have Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) on the mound against the MoonDogs tomorrow, McKenzie is making his second start of the season.
July 5, 2011
Honkers Lose to Beetles, 9-6
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club was in Alexandria, MN to take on the Alexandria Beetles for the second game of a three game series today, losing 9-6. The Honkers are closing out the first half after this series, a half that they have struggled through, with a record of 9-22.
The Honkers took an early lead, scoring four runs in the first, and two in the second, only to see them matched in both innings, with a score of 6-6 at the end of the second. It was all Beetles from then on, scattering three more runs throughout the game,
Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) got his fourth start of the season, just one of them is a full start thus far, having two ending early due to rain. Johnson was chased early again, this time due to a high pitch count, throwing 35 pitches in the first inning, allowing four runs. League rules state that a pitcher cannot start an inning if pitching 35 or more in the previous inning.
Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) came in relief for Johnson, pitching the next two innings, allowing five runs on three hits. Mattingly would be followed by Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) for three innings. Jakubov allowed two runs on six hits striking out one. Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) pitched the final inning for the Honkers, pitching one hitless inning, walking one batter.
Aaron Jones had another good day at the plate, going 2-for-4 and scoring two runs. He was driven in both times by Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon), who had one hit in five trips to the plate.
The Honkers and Beetles will play the final game of the series tomorrow at 7:05pm, the last game of the first half. The Honkers will then travel south to take on the Mankato MoonDogs in a two game series at the Franklin Rodgers Park starting on July 7 at 7:05pm.
Former Honker Andre Ethier on Final All-Star Vote
(Rochester, MN) – Former Honker, and current Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder, Andre Ethier was selected for the final fan vote for the 2011 MLB All-Star Game in Arizona on July 12, 2011.
Ethier is up against Todd Helton of the Colorado Rockies, Ian Kennedy of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Michael Morse of the Washington Nationals, and Shane Victorino of the Philadelphia Phillies for the National Leauges final roster spot. The MLB uses a series of fan, coach, player, and manager voting to decide its roster, and then one final fan only vote for the last player of each leagues roster.
A 2011 All-Star bid would mean Ethier get’s to play in his hometown for his second career and second consecutive All-Star Game. Last year he started in right field, batting 1-for-2, helping lead the National League to their first win in 13 All-Star Games. He is batting .318 with seven homeruns and 23 doubles in 85 games this season for the Dodgers.
Voting for the Final Ballot is open until June 7, and anyone can vote unlimited times a day until then. Help a former Honker make a second consecutive All-Star Game! The Rochester Honkers are a member of the Northwoods League, a summer collegiate baseball league in the Midwest that plays 70 games in 75 days.
July 4, 2011
Honkers Drop Series Opener at Alexandria
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers traveled to Alexandria to take on the Beetles, in the final series of the first half of the 2011 campaign, falling 14-5. The Honkers have had a rough go of it in the first half, with a record of 9-21.
Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) ran into early trouble, letting two runs across home plate in the second before a grand slam to cap a six run second inning. He would settle down for two innings before running into another rough inning, which was eventually the end of his night. Siefken pitched 4.2 innings, and allowed 11 runs on 12 hits, his roughest outing of the year.
Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) would come in relief of Siefken, pitching 1.1 innings, allowing two hits and no runs. McKenzie had made one start on the season before today’s appearance. Austin House (So, New Mexico) would pitch one inning allowing one run on one hit, while striking out two, and Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) came in to pitch the final inning, allowing three hits and two runs while walking two.
Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) went 3-for-5 at the plate with two RBI on the day, almost doubling his hit total to nine on the season. Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) had the only other Honker RBI, as the final two runs were unearned and scored on a double play.
The two teams will play the second game of a three game series tomorrow at 7:05 pm at Knute Nelson Memorial Field. The Honkers will finish up the first half of the season on Wednesday, July 6 in the final game of this series. They will start the second half the next day, travelling to Mankato for two games before heading back to Rochester for a six game homestand, starting on Saturday, July 9 at 7:05 pm against the Duluth Huskies.
July 3, 2011
Honkers Swept by MoonDogs
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club continued their rough first half, falling once again to the Mankato MoonDogs by a score of 7-3 on Sunday at Mayo Field. The MoonDogs have had the Honkers number thus far this season, as they are the only team in the North Division the Honkers have yet to beat.
Drew Bowen (Jr, Oral Roberts) got the start for the Honkers pitching 5.2 innings, and allowing four runs on seven hits. Bowen struck out five batters before yielding to the bullpen for relief pitchers Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) and Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas). Dolsky pitched three innings, allowing three runs on three hits. Jakubov pitched one inning, striking out two batters.
Utility man Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) homered in the seventh inning to cut the Mankato lead to 4-3, giving the Honkers a brief glimmer of a comeback chance. The MoonDogs smashed the said hopes with a three run eighth inning, putting them up by four. Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) went 1-2 with a double and a walk, and Jake Marasco (So, Kansas) also doubled in the game, his sixth of the year.
The Honkers will travel to Alexandria tomorrow for a three game series with the Alexandria Beetles, starting at 3:05 on July 4. This series will be the final three games of the first half, and then the Honkers will travel to Mankato to start the second half of the season on Thursday. The Honkers are back home next Saturday, July 9, when the Duluth Huskies come to town for a three game set.
July 2, 2011
Honkers Fall in Slugfest
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers and Mankato MoonDogs hit a combined eight homeruns in today’s game at Mayo Field, with the MoonDogs running away with the game, by a final score of 18-7. Each team led their first at-bats off with a homerun, providing many fireworks during a game that was followed by a Fourth of July firework show.
The Honkers got homeruns by Anthony Hutting (So, Cal State Fullerton) who led off the game with a homer to right, Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) and Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) who both hit their second home runs of the season. Roper also doubled on the day, going 2-for-2 with two walks and three RBI.
Jake Marasco (Jr, Kansas) also had a strong day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one walk. Aaron Jones (Fr, Oregon) also had a two hit day, making his season debut behind the plate for the Honkers.
Bennett Klimesh (RsJr, Trinity College) made his Northwoods League debut on the mound after finishing up a temporary contract in the Cape Cod League. Klimesh was chased early, only throwing 1.1 innings and allowing eight runs on five hits. Klimesh was followed by an array of relief pitchers and position players to eat up innings. Most notably, infielder Davy Wright (So, TCU) pitched one inning, striking out the side.
The Honkers were upstaged by the Northwoods League leader in home runs, Shaun Cooper, who homered three times, driving in six of the 18 MoonDog runs.
The Honkers and MoonDogs have a short turnaround to tomorrow’s 1:05 pm start at Mayo Field. The Honkers will have Drew Bowen (Jr, Oral Roberts) on the hill, making his fourth start of the season. Bowen is 1-1 on the year. The Honkers will then travel to Alexandria and Mankato for a five game series featuring three games against the Alexandria Beetles, and two more against the MoonDogs.
July 1, 2011
Rain Halts Series Finale in Brainerd
(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club was scheduled to finish up their set of five consecutive games against the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers today, but Mother Nature had different plans. Inclement weather hit the Brainerd Lakes area, causing the game to first get delayed an hour, before eventually postponing it until the second half of the season.
The Northwoods League has been tormented all season long by rain and other bad weather, causing many teams to lose games in the first half. The Honkers have not been an exception, postponing, or suspending parts of five series the Honkers have played thus far in the early season.
The game is expected to be made up the next time the Honkers travel to Brainerd, on August 8, 2011, following an off day. The game will be made up in a double header, of seven inning games, with the time to be determined.
The Honkers will now have extra time to return home, before a two-game home series against the Mankato MoonDogs, starting tomorrow, Saturday, July 2, at 7:05pm. The two teams will have a quick turnaround the next day, playing a 1:05pm game at Mayo Field on Sunday, July 3. The Honkers will then travel to Alexandria to spend their Fourth of July.
June 30, 2011
Honkers Lose at Brainerd, 7-1
(Rochester, MN) – The Honkers continue to struggle in the first half of the season, losing to the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers 7-1, in the fourth consecutive game against the Lunkers, lowering their record to 9-18 in the first half.
The Honkers had another newcomer starting on the mound today, this time it was left-hander Jeff McKenzie (Fr, Sonoma State). McKenzie allowed four runs on four hits in three innings pitched, before getting pulled due to a high pitch count. Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) made his fourth relief appearance of the year, pitching two innings allowing three runs, just one of them earned, on four hits.
Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) pitched the next three innings, shutting down the rejuvenated Lunker’s bats, holding them to just one hit. Dolsky also struck out five, the second highest in a game for him this season.
Jake Marasco (Jr, Kansas) had a solid day at the plate for the teal, going 2-for-4, scoring the lone run of the game. Centerfielder Anthony Hutting (So, Cal State Fullerton) went 2-for-2 at the plate and getting hit by the pitch once.
The two teams will finish up the second half against each other tomorrow, for the fifth consecutive game they will see each other. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm in Brainerd. The Honkers will have the third newcomer in a row on the mound, this time Bennett Klimesh (Jr, Trinity College) will be making his Honker debut. Klimesh just finished a temporary contract at the Cape Cod League.
The Honkers will return home on Saturday July 2, when they take on the Mankato MoonDogs for a two game series at home. Saturday’s game is scheduled for 7:05 PM, with a quick turnaround for Sunday’s 1:05 game. Saturday’s game at Mayo Field will be followed by fireworks brought to you by the College of St. Scholastica and KTTC.
June 29, 2011
Honkers Drop Game at Brainerd
(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers traveled to Brainerd today, June 29 after spending yesterday resting during an off-day, but were out-powered by the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers, 10-4.
Eric Davila (Fr, Sonoma College) could not quite settle in for his first start of the season after being a late signee, pitching three innings, letting eight runs score on nine hits. Davila was pulled in the third inning for reliever Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas). Jakubov pitched the remaining five innings for the Honkers, allowing just two runs on six hits.
The Lunkers scored early and often in the first four innings, scoring three in the first, getting shutout in the second, one in the fourth and six runs in the fourth, before being shutdown by Jakubov for the rest of the game.
The Honkers bats benefited from the day off, manufacturing four runs, the most since June 19, when they defeated the Alexandria Beetles 8-2 in a seven inning game. The four runs were on nine hits, most since the same 8-2 win against the Beetles, where they had 10 hits.
It was the bottom of the Honkers lineup that produced well today, with Anthony Hutting (Jr, Cal State Fullerton), Brett Hambright (Jr, Oregon) and Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) all getting three hits on the game as the 7-8-9 batters in the Honkers lineup. Roper also drove two of the Honkers runs in, while scoring one.
The Honkers and Lunkers are back at it tomorrow, for a 7:05 start. Another newcomer, Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) will be on the mound for the Honkers, making his first appearance of the season. McKenzie would be joining signed Honkers Martin Medina and Ryan McIntyre, had they not signed professional contracts, at Cal State Bakersfield.
The Honkers will return home on Saturday, July 2 for a 7:05 game against the Mankato MoonDogs, at Mayo Field, fireworks will follow the game.
June 27, 2011
Honkers Lose to Brainerd in Heartbreaker
(Rochester, MN) – The Honkers took a while to get their first hit, and scored their first and only run with a home run by Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon), but they made it interesting at the end, with runners on and just one out, before grounding into a double play, with runner interference.
With pinch runner Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) on third, Davy Wright (So, TCU) on first, and one out in the ninth with the Honkers down by one, Brett Hambright (Jr, Oregon) hit a grounder up the middle. The Lunker’s shortstop made a diving stop, flipped it to the second baseman to retire Wright, and the throw from second to first was deflected by Wright, causing it to go errant and score the apparent tying run. The umpire crew was quick on the call of runner interference however, ruling it an automatic double play, ending the game.
Wright had a great day at the plate, going 3-for-4, all singles. Ryan Hambright would be all the run production the Honkers would get, going 2-for-3, with a double, the aforementioned home run and getting hit by the pitch in his first at bat.
The Honkers got a great pitching performance out of Alex Alemann (So, St. Louis University) in his last start as a Honker this season. Alemann tied his season high in innings pitched with eight, while striking out four before yielding to Austin House (So, New Mexico) out of the bullpen for the Honkers.
The Honkers couldn’t seem to catch a break, having a few hits ousted by diving catches, and what seemed to be the second home run of the season from Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) robbed at the centerfield wall.
The Honkers fall to 9-16 in the first 25 games of the season, just weeks from the All-Star Break. They will have an off day tomorrow, before traveling to Brainerd to take on the Lunkers in three more games. It will mark five consecutive games against the Lunkers in six days. Newcomer Eric Davila (Fr, Sonoma State) will see his first action as a Honker, getting the start on the mound on Wednesday, June 29, first pitch is 7:05 PM. The Honkers will play the three games in Brainerd before returning home on Saturday, July 2, to take on the Mankato Moondogs at 7:05 at Mayo Field.
June 26, 2011
Honkers Fall to Brainerd, 6-2
(Rochester, MN) – The Honkers still can’t seem to find consistency winning, falling in the opener of a two game series against the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers on Sunday afternoon.
Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon) made his second at-bat of the game count, with the Honkers down 1-0, Hambright took a high fast ball deep, over the fence for a solo-home run, tying the game at one. The Lunkers would return fire two innings later with a two-run fifth inning, taking the indefinite lead. Hambright was the brightest star in the sky for Honkers fans, going 2-for-2 with two walks and scored both Honkers runs.
Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) was handed his first loss of the season, after getting chased early in his first two starts due to rain delays. Johnson pitched 5.2 innings allowing nine hits and five runs, just four of them earned, while striking out a season high five batters.
Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) pitched 3.1 innings of relief for the Honkers, allowing one run on four hits. Mattingly was almost taken out of the game after apparently being hit with a line drive, but the doctor ruled he was good to stay in, so he did.
The Honkers and Lunkers will return to Mayo Field for another matinee tomorrow, first pitch at 1:05pm. Alex Alemann (So, St. Louis University) will make his final start of the season for the Honkers tomorrow, before being shut down by his college coaches for the summer. Alemann was the Honkers opening day starter, and is finishing up a temporary contract in which the Honkers have seen him go 1-3 on the season. The Honkers will then enjoy a day off on Tuesday the 28th, before traveling to Brainerd for three more games, making it five consecutive games against the Lunkers rounding out the end of June.
June 25, 2011
Honkers Drop Series Finale to Duluth
(Rochester, MN) – The Honkers dropped the finale of a three game series in Duluth today against the Duluth Huskies, falling 6-3. It was the first nine inning game the Honkers have played since June 20th, after having the last few series saturated by rain.
The Honkers got ahead early, scoring one run in each of the first two innings of the game. The two teams would go back and forth, with the Huskies taking the lead in the fourth, and the Honkers tying it in the sixth, before the Huskies took the lead for good later that inning.
Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) made his __ start of the season and __ appearance overall. Siefken pitched three strong innings before running into control problems in the fourth inning, walking in two runs, and allowing one more on a hit, to give the Huskies their first lead of the day.
Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) would come in relief and see the decision get placed on him when the Honkers tied the game. Jakubov allowed two runs on two hits, eventually getting credited with the loss on the season. His record is now 0-2 with one save on the season in seven relief appearances. Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) pitched one inning of relief in the eighth inning, allowing one run on two hits.
Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) continued to hit the ball well since being signed late, going 2-for-4 with a run scored. Coy is batting .333 early in his season. Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) also had a multiple hit game, going 2-for-5 with an RBI.
The Honkers will return home for a two game series against the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers for two matinee games, both at 1:05pm on Sunday June 26, and Monday June 27, at Mayo Field. Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) will get the start on the mound for the Honkers on Sunday, hoping to get a start that is not perished early due to heavy rains.
June 24, 2011
Honkers Split Doubleheader
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers finally got to play a game, after being rained out in three consecutive nights, splitting a two game, seven inning double header with the Duluth Huskies. The Honkers dropped game one by a score of 4-1, and won game two by a score of 4-2.
Johnny Coy (RsJr, Wichita State) had a great day at the plate, going 2-for-8 with a homerun in game two, and a RBI in game one. The homerun was his first of the season, in just two games played. Johnny just met up with the team in Duluth, after being a late signee for the Honkers. Coy’s homerun was in the eighth inning, to take the lead for the Honkers in extra innings of game two.
Drew Bowen (Jr, Oral Roberts) got the start for the Honkers in the first game, pitching the entire game, allowing four runs on 11 hits. Bowen received his first loss of the season falling to 1-1. The Honkers could only muster five hits to back up Bowen in the first game.
Matt Strahm (Fr, Neosho County CC) got the start in game two, looking to earn his second win of the season. Strahm had started three games before this one, holding a 1-1 record. He would pitch very well, allowing just one run on five hits, but yielding to Austin House (So, New Mexico) out of the bullpen in extra innings.
House pitched two innings of one hit baseball, and picking up the win for the Honkers, making his record 1-0 with one save on the season. House struck out three on the day.
The Honkers would need late inning heroics twice, with the homerun from Coy in the 8th and a two RBI double out of Scott Thornburg (Jr, Creighton) in the ninth, to take the definite lead for the Honkers and picking up a split on the double header.
The two teams will play a nine inning game tomorrow, a rubber match, with the series tied at one each. The Honkers will have Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) on the mound, looking to add to an already impressive season. First pitch is at 7:05 at Wade Stadium. The Honkers will return home on Sunday, to take on the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers at 1:05pm at Mayo Field, followed by another 1:05 game on Monday, before heading into an off day on Tuesday, June 28.
June 23, 2011
Honkers Postponed at Duluth
(Rochester, MN) — Rain continued to torment the Rochester Honkers Baseball Club, having a third consecutive washout, this time against Duluth at Wade Stadium. The Honkers and Huskies were slated to play a 7:05pm start today, Thursday, June 23, but heavy rains forced the teams to play a doubleheader tomorrow starting at 5:05pm.
The doubleheader will be played as two seven inning games, as per league rules. This is the fifth time rain has forced a game to be played the next day as a doubleheader for the Honkers this season. The Honkers have not played since Monday, June 20, when they fell to the St. Cloud River Bats, 12-2.
The Honkers will hopefully get all three games that were scheduled against the Huskies in before returning home on Sunday for a two game series against the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers on Sunday, June 26 and Monday June 27 at 1:05pm both days.
June 22, 2011
Honkers & River Bats Postponed to Second Half
(Rochester, MN) – It was the same storyline just a different day for the Rochester Honkers Baseball Club, who was forced to postpone another game due to rain and poor field conditions. They were scheduled to take on St. Cloud yesterday, June 21 at 7:05pm, and today, June 22 at 1:05pm, at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud, but bad field conditions forced the 7:05 game to be played as a doubleheader following the 1:05 game. Rain was a factor again, causing the double header to be postponed until the second half of the season.
The games are tentatively rescheduled as doubleheaders, after regularly scheduled games on July 30th and 31st in St. Cloud, both doubleheaders will start at 6:05pm, with the second game following thirty minutes after the conclusion of game one. All four games will be seven inning games.
The Honkers have ran into heavy rain and storms many times this season, but were able to make-up the games in that series without losing a game in the first half.
The Honkers will now travel to Duluth for a three game series against the Huskies before returning back to Mayo Field for a 1:05pm game against the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers, Sunday June 26, followed by another 1:05pm game the next day against the Lunkers.
June 22, 2011
Honkers at River Bats delayed due to rain.
(Rochester, MN)— – The start of the Honkers and River bats doubleheader at 1:05pm, today, June 22, is delayed due to poor field conditions.The teams will attempt to get the games in later today, before the Honkers leave St. Cloud for Duluth to take on the Huskies for a three game series.More details regarding the start of the doubleheader will be released later, check back for more information.
June 21, 2011
Honkers Postponed Due To Rain
( Rochester, MN)— The Honkers were postponed due to rain and inclement field conditions once again, this time it was not at Mayo Field. The Honkers and River Bats were slated to play game two of their three game series at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud at 7:05, but heavy rains in the area throughout the day made the field unplayable.
The two teams will make up today’s game, and play tomorrows game as a doubleheader, tomorrow, June 22, starting at 1:05 pm. The second game will start thirty minutes following the conclusion of the first game. This is the fourth time this season the Honkers have played all of or a part of two games in one day due to rain.
The Honkers will play two games tomorrow before heading to Duluth for three games for the second half of the six game road trip. The Honkers return home next Sunday for a 1:05pm start against the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers at Mayo Field.
June 20, 2011
Honkers Overwhelmed by River Bats
( Rochester, MN) – The Honkers dropped game one of their six game road trip to St. Cloud and Duluth today lossing to the St. Cloud River Bats, 12-2 in St. Cloud. The River Bats piled on the hits, scoring 12 runs on 17 hits during the game
The River Bats struck a lot and struck often, scoring runs in five of eight innings at the plate, including a six run fifth inning that would put the Honkers down by a score of 8-0, and prove to be all the River Bats needed to win.
The Honkers scored their only two runs with their backs against the wall in the ninth inning, after a few walks and an error. Scott Thornburg (Jr, Creighton) scored after being walked, advancing to second on a wild pitch, third on a fielder’s choice, and scored on an error to the shortstop hit by Jimmie Koch (Fr, Florida Tech). Koch eventually scored the Honkers second run, after a single by Aaron Jones (Fr, Oregon) advanced him to second, a walk and a fielder’s choice would score him.
Jones was the brightest spot in the game for the Honkers going 3-for-4 on the day, all three hits being singles. Jones improved his batting average to .545 on the season in three games thus far. Jones accounted for over half of the Honkers hits on the day.
Bryce Rippentrop (So, Dakota County Tech) made his third start of the season for the Honkers, boasting a 2-0 record entering the game. Rippentrop would allow eight runs on 11 hits, striking out three and walking three. Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) would come in to relieve Rippentrop in the sixth inning. Roper, normally a middle infielder came in to save the arms of the Honkers bullpen. He allowed four runs on six hits, with one strikeout. It was the second relief appearance for Roper on the season.
The Honkers will have two more games to salvage a series win in St. Cloud. The two teams are back at it tomorrow at 7:05pm at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud. The Honkers will have Matt Strahm (Fr, Neosho County CC) on the mound, making his fourth start of the season. Strahm picked up his first win over the home stand, defeating Thunder Bay 8-2.
June 19 , 2011
Honkers Pick Up Split against Beetles
(Rochester, MN) — The Rochester Honkers had their third doubleheader due to suspended games today against the Alexandria Beetles at Mayo Field. The Honkers dropped the first game 12-5, and bounced back to topple the Beetles 8-2 in game two, picking up a split in the two game series. Scott Thornburg (Jr, Creighton) had a great day at the plate, going 4-for-7, with four runs scored, five RBI, and two home runs.
The Honkers had a lot of momentum in game one before lightning caused the suspension. Seemingly loosing all of that momentum overnight, carrying none to the resumption on Sunday afternoon. The Beetles came out like a whole new team today, after letting the Honkers bats cool off over night.
Eric Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) got the start after the suspension of the game, pitching innings three and four, allowing one hit and two runs. Robert Hansen (Fr, Vanderbilt) was credited with the loss, pitching 1.1 innings, allowing six runs on three hits. It was the first poor outing for Hansen in a few games, after having three good relief appearances lately, two in this homestand. Hansen left the game with an apparent finger injury, yielding to Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) out of the bullpen. Dolsky pitched 2.2 innings, allowing three runs, with Bryan Karraker (Jr, New Mexico State) pitching an inning in relief after.
The Honkers bats were silenced for most of the continuation until the eighth inning when Thornburg homered for the first time on the day to lead off the inning. Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon) followed that up with a double to right field, and newcomer Aaron Jones (Fr, Oregon) drove Hambright in with a single to center, Hambright had two hits in game one.
The Honkers big eighth inning was not enough to overcome the Beetles rally, dropping game one, 12-5. The two teams would regroup and start game two, a seven inning game, a half hour later.
Alex Alemann (So, St. Louis University) started game two. It was his fourth start of the season and was 0-3 prior to this game. Alemann finally got the run support he needed, seeing the Honkers bats out do the Beetles, winning 8-2. Alemann pitched six innings allowing two runs on seven hits, and striking out four.
Damek Tomscha (So, Iowa Western) pitched one inning of relief to close out the game, allowing just one hit and striking out one.
The Honkers scored all of their runs in the first three innings, scoring three in the first, three in the second and two in the third. The second inning runs were a product of Thornburg’s second homer of the day, this one a three run calamity for the Beetles.
Jake Marasco (RsSo, Kansas) and Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic) both went 2-for-3 in the second game, each with a double. Davy Wright (So, TCU) also doubled for his lone hit of the ball game, adding to his Northwoods League lead with 10 doubles on the season.
The Honkers will carry the momentum from this win to St. Cloud tomorrow for three games against the River Bats, and the three more against the Duluth Huskies in Duluth. The Honkers have Bryce Rippentrop (So, Dakota County Tech) on the mound tomorrow against the River Bats. The Honkers will return home Sunday, June 26, to take on the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers, in a two game series. First pitch for both games is 1:05 pm, leading into the first day off of the season, on June 28.
June 18 , 2011
Rain Suspends Honkers for a Third Time
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers and Alexandria Beetles waited two hours to start the first game of the series due to rain, only to get it suspended after two full innings of play with the Honkers up 3-0, due to lightning. The two teams will resume game one of the series, and then follow it up with the second game, in a doubleheader format tomorrow June 19 at Mayo Field. Game one will start at 1:05 pm, and game two will start 30-minutes after.
The Honkers got a great start in their first inning at the plate. Anthony Hutting (So, Cal State Fullerton) led the game off with a double, followed by a hit batsman, and Scott Thornburg (Jr, Creighton) followed that up with a double scoring Hutting. The Honkers would get the bases loaded, and score two more runners before the inning ended.
The Beetles did get one runner on first base before the lightning strikes were seen, and will start tomorrow with a runner on first base.
Game two will feature Alex Alemann (So, St. Louis) on the mound for the Honkers. Alemann has made three starts, none of them at Mayo Field. In his three starts he is 0-3, with an ERA of 3.71. The Honkers will finish up their home stand tomorrow, before heading to St. Cloud and Duluth for six games.
June 17 , 2011
Honkers Fall in Game Two, 3-1
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester Honkers fell behind early today, in the finale of a two game series against the St. Cloud River Bats, and never could find a way to get a big inning, falling 3-1. Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) made his third start of the season, falling to 0-2 on the season. Siefken pitched seven innings, allowing just five hits, and allowing the three runs.
The Honkers bullpen continued to be strong, pitching two innings allowing one hit, and getting three strikeouts. Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) pitched the eighth innings, allowing the lone hit in relief, and striking out two batters. Robert Hansen (Fr, Vanderbilt) pitched the ninth inning, making his second appearance in two days, striking out one, and going 1-2-3.
The Honkers manufactured their lone run in the fourth inning after a single by Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon) and a walk to Jake Marasco (So, Kansas), followed up by a single from Davy Wright (So, TCU) scoring Hambright. The RBI was his 14th of the season, placing him second in the Northwoods League in runs batted in.
Wright would account for almost half of the Honkers hits, going 3-for-4 on the day, improving his batting average to just .299 on the season. The River Bats bullpen would take over after the fifth inning, and shut down the Honkers bats, allowing just two hits in the final four innings.
The Honkers will finish out their six game home stand after two games with Alexandria, Saturday and Sunday. The Honkers will show off the arm of Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) tomorrow, Saturday, June 18. Johnson will be making his second start of the season, after his first one was rained out, causing him to have a shortened start. Johnson pitched three innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out two in that start.
The Honkers will have Alex Alemann (So, St. Louis) pitching on Sunday, making his fourth start of the season. Alemann is on a temporary contract with the Honkers, and will be gone at the end of June. First pitch for Saturday’s game is 7:05 at Mayo Field, followed up by a matinee game on Sunday, at 1:05.
June 16 , 2011
Honkers Edge River Bats 3-2
The Honkers picked up their second winning streak of the season, defeating the St. Cloud River Bats by a score of 3-2 tonight, improving their record to 7-9 on the season, trying to lessen the gap in the chase for the first half championship.
The Honkers got a solid start out of Drew Bowen (Jr, Oral Roberts) making his second appearance, but first start of the season. Bowen started the first inning strong, getting two quick outs, before allowing one run in the first inning.
Bowen would pitch the first seven innings, allowing six hits and two runs, while striking out two batters. Bowen had made one appearance before this start, pitching 1.1 innings on Monday, June 13.
The Honkers helped Bowen after the shaky start, answering St. Cloud’s run, and doubling it. The Honkers had two runners on for Bryan Karraker (Jr, New Mexico State), who knocked a double to deep centerfield. River Bats centerfielder Korey Wacker would make a good attempt at the catch, dropping it while he slammed into the fence. Wacker would fall to the ground in pain after getting the ball in, but would stay in the game.
Jake Marasco (So, Kansas) had a strong day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, improving his batting average to .230. Karraker went 1-for-4 on the game with just the two RBI in the first inning.
The Honkers would get two strong innings of relief out of the bullpen, first from Robert Hansen (Fr, Vanderbilt) in the eighth. Hansen struck out one batter, and got a double play after hitting the first batter he faced. Austin House (So, New Mexico) would come in for the ninth inning, and earned his first save of the season. House got a ground out, a fly out, and a strike out, to pick up the save.
The Honkers and River Bats return to the diamond tomorrow June 17 at 7:05 pm. The Honkers will look for their second, two-game sweep of the season, and to improve their record to one game below five-hundred.
The Honkers will have Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) on the mound. Aaron is third in the Northwoods League in ERA with a microscopic ERA of 0.64. The Honkers are now halfway done with the six game home stand before traveling to St. Cloud and Duluth for a six game road trip.
June 15 , 2011
Honkers Split Delayed Filled Series
(Rochester, MN) – For the second time in a week, the Honkers had to play two games in one day due to rain. The Honkers picked up the sweep earlier in the week against the Duluth Huskies, and today picked up a split with the Thunder Bay Border Cats, losing game one 6-5 and coming up victorious in game two 8-2.
In game one the Honkers got a great effort out of the bullpen to start the game. Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton), and Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) helped in relief of last nights starter Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois). Mattingly was the pitcher of decision, pitching the first two innings of the resumed game, allowing just one run on two hits. Jakubov pitched the final four innings for the Honkers only allowing two hits, with four runs.
The Honkers could not overcome the Border Cats however, scoring two runs in the ninth inning to lessen the gap, but stranded the bases loaded to end the game.
The Honkers got a great outing from Matt Strahm (Fr, Neosho County CC) in game two on the mound. Strahm pitched six innings of the abridged seven inning game before yielding to the bullpen. In his six innings he allowed two runs on four hits and struck out five batters. Earning his first win of the season, Strahm is now 1-1 this summer, with an ERA of 3.57.
Davy Wright (So, TCU) had a great day at the plate, going 3-for-6 with five runs batted in on the day. Wright finished game one 2-for-3 with two RBI and then 1-for-3 in game two with three RBI. Davy also had three doubles on the day, for a league high nine this season.
Also having big days at the plate were Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon) who went 4-for-8 on the day, and Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) who went 4-for-10 on the day.
With the split the Honkers are now 6-9 on the season. The Honkers will continue the home stand tomorrow, June 16, when the St. Cloud River Bats arrive at Mayo Field for a two game series.
The Honkers will have Drew Bowen (Jr, Oral Roberts) on the mound, making his first start, and second appearance of the season. Bowen relieved in a game last weekend, pitching 1.1 innings, allowing one hit and one run. The first pitch will be at 7:05, at Mayo Field.
June 14 , 2011
Honkers Game Suspended Until 5:05pm Wednesday
(Rochester, MN)—Once again the Honkers get suspended due to rain at Mayo Field. This time it was only 2.5 innings into the ball game, tied at 1. The Honkers and Border Cats will resume tomorrow night, Wednesday, June 15 at 5:05 with the continuation of tonight’s game, followed by the regular scheduled ball game, thirty minutes after the conclusion of tonight’s game.
As per league rules, the second game of the night will only last 7 innings, due to this game not completing five innings before the suspension. The Honkers mustered five hits in their two innings, including a lead off triple in the second inning by Jimmie Koch (Fr, Florida Tech), who later scored the lone Honker run.
The Honkers had a game suspended last weekend, on Thursday night when the Duluth Huskies were in town. The Honkers eventually swept the series, winning both games on Friday, in extra innings and dramatic fashion.
This was game one of a six game home stand for the Honkers, who will look to make some ground in the standings. The Honkers will play two games against the Border Cats, St. Cloud River Bats and the Alexandria Beetles stretching through the weekend. Tomorrows game will still have fireworks upon the conclusion of the second game.
June 13 , 2011
Honkers Win in 10 Innings
(Rochester, MN)— Down to just the last two outs in the game, Matt Beyer (Jr, UW-Whitewater) homered to center, to tie the game, and send it into extra innings. Just one inning later, the Honkers would score Scott Thornburg (Jr, Creighton) from second base on a base hit from Bryan Karraker (Jr, New Mexico State) to take the lead in the tenth inning.
Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) would take it from there, pitching a 1-2-3 inning, to secure the win for the Honkers, their fourth win in extra innings this season. The win for Dolsky was his first of the season, after a few rough starts, he came back with a strong relief outing. Dolsky pitched the final three innings of the game, allowing only one hit and not walking any batters, while sending six batters down on strikes.
Bryce Rippentrop (So, Dakota County Tech) got the start for the Honkers, going 5.2 innings allowing five runs on eight hits. Drew Bowen (Jr, Oral Roberts) saw his first action of the season, coming out of the bullpen for 1.1 innings of work, allowing one run on one hit, a homerun, while striking out three.
The Honkers got a big help from the long ball tonight, getting three homeruns, all of them a first for the player this season. Aside from the aforementioned homerun by Beyer, Davy Wright (So, Texas Christian) and Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) each homered, in the second and third innings respectively. The two each had a pair of RBI today as well.
Scott Thornburg also had another big day at the plate, hitting two homeruns in the past week; he followed it up with a 3-for-5 performance today, scoring the go-ahead run in the tenth as well. Thornburg improved his season batting average to .350 today.
The Honkers boarded the bus directly following the game, to return home for a six game home stand tomorrow. The Honkers will take on the Thunder Bay Border Cats, at 7:05 pm, the first of six games at home.
Kevin Johnson (So, Illinois) will be on the mound for the Honkers, making his Northwoods League debut. Johnson was 2-7 this year, making 16 starts for the Fighting Illini, holding a 4.54 ERA.
The Honkers home stand will start tomorrow, and run all week ending on Sunday, with an early game at 1:05. The Honkers will see the Border Cats for the second time of the season to start the home stand, and then see St. Cloud and Alexandria in a two game series for the first time this season.
June 12 , 2011
Honkers Fall in Willmar
(Rochester, MN) – The Honkers would take an early lead in game two of three at Willmar today, scoring two runs in the top of the second inning, but the Stingers would use aggressive base running and take advantage of errors to beat the Honkers 10-3, clinching the series.
The Honkers would get a strong start out of starting pitcher Alex Alemann (So, St. Louis University) for the first three innings. Alemann would allow just two hits in the first three innings, before running into strong hitting from the Stingers. Alemann would allow five runs in the fourth inning, seeing the Honkers lead turn into a 5-2 deficit.
Alemann would get chased in the fifth inning with two runners on and without recording an out, yielding to relief pitcher Austin House (So, New Mexico). House would get out of the inning, but not before damage was done, and the Honkers were down 10-2.
The Honkers bats would not be silenced in the game however, mustering up 11 hits in the game, with only three runs to show for it. Third baseman Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) continued to hit the ball well after a slow start to the season, going 3-for-5 on the day, with a RBI. Newcomer Damek Tomscha (So, Iowa Western) also had a three hit game, going 3-for-4, with a run scored. His three hit day raised his batting average to .368 on the season.
Scott Thornburg (Jr, Creighton) would add another RBI on the season, his third in four games, when he doubled in Jake Marasco (So, Kansas) in the ninth inning, to lessen the deficit. The Honkers would get a multi hit game out of shortstop Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois), going 2-for-3 with two walks on the day, for an on base percentage of .800.
The Honkers will look to salvage the series and get one win tomorrow when the same two teams are back at it again, for the finale of the series, and the last time these two teams will see each other in the first half of the season. The loss drops the Honkers to 4-8 on the season, and 4-6 in their last ten games.
The Honkers will have Bryce Rippentrop (So, Dakota County Tech) on the mound tomorrow. Rippentrop is 2-0 on the season, getting one win in a start, and the other while coming in relief in extra innings. First pitch tomorrow is 7:05, the Honkers will return home on Tuesday, June 14, when they start a six game home stand against the Thunder Bay Border Cats, first pitch is 7:05
June 11 , 2011
Stingers Edge Honkers 2-1
(Rochester, MN) — With their first winning streak of the season in danger, the Honkers traveled to Willmar today, to take on the Stingers, who also had a two game winning streak coming into the day. The Stingers would snap the first Honker winning streak of the season, with a final score of 2-1. It was the third game this season the Honkers have lost by one run.
Honkers starting pitcher Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) fell behind the Stingers early, letting up two runs in the second inning. Siefken was lights out from then on, shutting down the Stingers for the next five innings before the Honkers would call to the bullpen. Siefken’s final line was 7.0 innings, two unearned runs on four hits, and five strikeouts. The two unearned runs helped drop his season ERA to 0.64.
The Honkers got some offensive power in the top of the seventh when new arrival Scott Thornburg (Jr, Creighton) homered to left, his second homerun in as many days. Thornburg homered in the tenth inning of game one on June, 10.
Robert Hansen (Fr, Vanderbilt) would pick up one inning of work, coming in to relieve Siefken. Hansen struck out two batters, allowing just one hit and walking one batter.
The Honkers would trail by one heading into the top of the ninth inning. They would make it interesting, with a hit batter, walk, and a balk, but the Stinger closer would do just that, and close the door on the Honkers.
Both teams would only muster five hits on the game, with the Stingers getting two runs, both unearned after the lone error in the field for the Honkers. The Honkers one run would be earned, coming off the aforementioned homerun from Thornburg.
The two teams will be back at it tomorrow, for the middle of the three game series. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm, Sunday. Alex Alemann (So, St. Louis University) will make his third start of the season, Alemann is 0-2 on the season, with a 2.08 ERA.
The Honkers will return home on Tuesday, June 14, when they play game one of a six game homestand. The first pitch on Tuesday is scheduled for 7:05 pm, against the Thunder Bay Border Cats.
June 10 , 2011
Koch’s Grand Slam Aids Honkers in Sweep
In a finish that can only be dreamt about by kid’s growing up in youth baseball. Jimmie Koch (Fr, Florida Tech) lived that dream, hitting a grand slam homerun in the bottom of the tenth inning, giving the Honkers their first sweep of the season, after a walk off double by Davy Wright (So, Texas Christian) in the first game of the makeshift double header.
The Honkers and Huskies had two games to finish on the day, the first being the suspended game from Thursday night, and the second being the regular scheduled game. The Honkers won both, the early game by a score of 4-3 and the late game by a score of 9-5.
The Honkers started game one in some trouble, with runners on first and second and no outs in the top of the ninth. One Fielder’s choices later, and an extremely odd, 6-4-5 double play later, the Honkers were up to bat in the tenth. It would take four extra innings before Wright doubled, scoring Jake Marasco (So, Kansas) to win game one.
The Honkers would fall behind early in the second game, only to come back twice, to tie the game to go into extra innings. Then with a few hits and Koch’s heroics, sent the remaining Honkers fans at Mayo Field home with smiles.
The Honkers got great batting performances out of Marasco and newcoming Damek Tomshca (So, Iowa Western) both going 3-for-6 in the second game of the day. It was Koch’s homerun that was the major highlight though, and was Koch’s third homerun of the season.
Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) got the start on the mound for the Honkers. Dolsky ran into problems early, walking four, and getting pulled just 1.1 innings into the game. Austin House (So, New Mexico) came in and pitched 4.2 innings, only allowing two hits, while fanning three Duluth batters.
Kameron Krise (So, College of the Canyons) would get the win for the Honkers however, pitching the final four innings, allowing no hits, while walking two batters. Kameron is now 1-0 on the season, in 10.2 innings of relief.
With the two wins, the Honkers have improved their record to 4-6, just 3.5 games back from Mankato who is in the lead of the South Division. The Honkers will travel to Willmar tomorrow, for a three game series, games played on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
On the mound for the Honkers will be lefthander Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) making his second start of the season. Siefken started the Honkers first win of the season, when the Honkers beat the Willmar Stinger in ten innings at Mayo Field. Siefken picked up a no-decision. The walk off win was the third of its kind at Mayo Field this year.
The Honkers will return home on Tuesday, June 14, when they take on the Thunder Bay Border Cats, at 7:05pm. The game marks the start of a six game homestretch for the Honkers.
June 9 , 2011
Honkers Hold off Huskies; Not Rain
With, 1-1 tie, no outs in the top of the ninth, and runners on first and second for Duluth, the rain finally got the best of the two teams at Mayo Field, and forced a suspension of the game. The fans will have to wait almost a full 24 hours to know the result of tonight’s Rochester Honkers game against the Duluth Huskies, the teams will finish the game at 6:05 tomorrow.
The Northwoods League rules state that a full five innings counts as a complete game, however with the decision still in doubt, the teams will continue tomorrow. The normally scheduled game will be played following the conclusion.
Both teams got great outings out of their starters. The Honkers debuted Brian Flynn (RsSo, Wichita State), the Detroit Tigers seventh round pick this past week. Flynn pitched a gem for the Honkers, going seven innings, allowing six hits, walking just two, and striking out 10, including the last two batters he faced with the bases loaded in the seventh.
His counterpart Joey Novak also pitched very well, matching Flynn’s seven innings, but only striking out five, allowing four hits. Kameron Krise (So, College of the Canyons) relieved Flynn, and was currently in his second inning of work when the game was called. Elliot Van Gaver came in to relieve Novak, pitching one inning before the game was called.
Davy Wright (So, Texas Christian) doubled for the second night in a row, and Matt Beyer (Jr, UW-Whitewater) also hit a double just two batters later for the Honkers, scoring Wright, for the Honkers lone run of the game.
The two teams will have a doubleheader like day tomorrow, as they try to finish two games. Game time is scheduled to start at 6:05 and then game two will be played 30 minutes after the completion of tonight’s started game. Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) is the scheduled starter for the Honkers in game two, and Tyler Blomberg is the scheduled starter for Duluth in game two.
June 8 , 2011
Honkers Lose in Wild Finish
Game three of the Honkers and Border Cats series started as a low scoring affair, and ended in a wild finish, with the Honkers dropping the rubber match, 5-4. Both teams combined for just three runs before a ninth inning which had each team score that many, taking advantage of untimely mistakes both ways in the end.
Matt Strahm (Fr, Neosho County CC) got the start on the hill for the Honkers, pitching a good outing, with 7.0 innings, six hits, two runs and six strikeouts. Strahm improved his season ERA to 5.40, after allowing seven runs against Mankato in the Honkers home opener.
Honkers second basemen, Davy Wright (So, Texas Christian) had his best hitting game of the season, going 3-for-5 at the plate with three RBI, including a clutch two-run double in the ninth. The double in the ninth was his second of the game, after he hit one first as well. Matt Beyer (Jr, UW-Whitewater) continued his assault on the base paths, stealing his ninth base of the season.
The Honkers looked to have the game sealed after the aforementioned double by Wright put them ahead by two, just three outs from their second consecutive victory. Relief pitcher Robert Hansen (Fr, Vanderbilt) struggled with control in the ninth, letting up some untimely walks, and a wild pitch to let the winning run score. Hansen came in relief in the eighth inning, allowing only one batter on, via an error, before entering the ninth.
Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) had his first multiple hit game, and is seeming to have settled in after an 0-for-17 start to the season. Thaut went 2-for-3, scoring one and batting in one run, after leading the game off with a single.
The Honkers will look to rebound tomorrow after a long bus ride home, when they take on the Duluth Huskies at 7:05pm at Mayo Field. The Honkers will have recent seventh round draft pick of the Detroit Tigers, Brian Flynn (RsSo, Wichita State) on the hill, making his season debut, versus Joey Novak for Duluth. With today’s loss, the Honkers fall to 2-6 on the season, four games back from division leader Mankato.
June 8 , 2011
Three More Honkers Drafted
Six more players with ties to the Rochester Honkers were taken today in the second half of the MLB First Year Players draft Wednesday. Two of which will be joining the Honkers shortly, as temporary players. With three current or former Honkers taken today, it ups the total number of drafted Honkers to 17, seven of which are on the current roster.
Damek Tomscha, an infielder from Iowa Western Community College was the first one to get taken in the second half. Tomscha was drafted last year, but was able to get picked up again, since he is still in a junior college. The Florida Marlins organization was the team on the other end of the line this year, when Damek got the call. According to the rules, Damek can be eligible again next year if he doesn’t sign before the next draft.
Just six picks later, a former Honker was taken in the draft, pitcher Arik Sikula, by the Toronto Blue Jays. Sikula was a member of the 2009 Northwoods League Championship team, and last season’s Northwoods League runner-up. He just finished his finals season as a member of the Marshall Thundering Herd, with a 2-6 record. Arik was tied for first on the team with 13 games started, and had a 5.42 ERA. He also struck out a team high 72 batters.
The final player with Honker ties to get drafted was Travis Lane, by the Kansas City Royals in the 41st round. Lane, a temporary contract catcher on this year’s team. Lane plays for former head coach Ryan Ruiz at Central Arizona College, and put up good numbers this past season. His team high .564 slugging percentage and his .364 batting average helped lead the Vaqueros to a runner up finish at the Junior College World Series.
The Honkers are currently in Thunder Bay, Ontario, but will travel home for a 7:05 game Thursday, June 8, against the Duluth Huskies. If they do not sign a professional contract, the seven drafted Honkers will be in action soon at Mayo Field.
Rd | Pick | Team | Player | Position | School | Year Honker |
3rd | 100 | Milwaukee Brewers | Andrew Gagnon | RHP | Cal State Long Beach | 2009 |
4th | 131 | Milwaukee Brewers | Nick Ramirez | 1B | Cal State Fullerton | 2009 |
5th | 164 | Los Angeles Dodgers | Scott McGough | RHP | Oregon | 2009 |
7th | 227 | Detroit Tigers | Brian Flynn | LHP | Wichita State | 2009, 2011 |
9th | 283 | Florida Marlins | Austin Barnes | C | Arizona State | 2009* |
10th | 311 | Milwaukee Brewers | Mike Strong | LHP | Oklahoma State | 2010 |
12th | 373 | Florida Marlins | Ryan McIntrye | OF | Cal State Bakersfield | 2011** |
15th | 460 | Houston Astros | Zach Johnson | 1B | Oklahoma State | 2011** |
19th | 574 | Arizona Diamondbacks | Danny Pulfer | 2B | Oregon | 2009, 2010 |
19th | 588 | Colorado Rockies | Jesse Meaux | RHP | UC Santa Barbara | 2008 |
20th | 618 | Colorado Rockies | Danny Winkler | RHP | Central Florida | 2010 |
20th | 621 | Chicago White Sox | Martin Medina | Inf | Cal State Bakersfield | 2011** |
21st | 637 | Washington Nationals | Todd Simko | LHP | Texas A&M Corpus Christi | 2011** |
26th | 795 | Los Angeles Angels | John Gianis | CF | North Carolina St. U | 2009 |
28th | 868 | Minnesota Twins | David Hurlbut | LHP | Cal State Fullerton | 2010 |
30th | 925 | Cincinatti Red | Josef Terry | 3B | Cal State Fullerton | 2010 |
36th | 1093 | Florida Marlins | Damek Tomscha | 3B | Iowa Western CC | 2011* |
36th | 1099 | Toronto Blue Jays | Arik Sikula | RHP | Marshall University | 2009, 2010 |
41st | 1236 | Kansas City Royals | Travis Lane | C | Central AZ | 2011* |
50th | 1529 | Tampa Bay Rays | Ian Tomkins | C | Abilene Christian | 2008 |
Free | Agent | Toronto Blue Jays | Ian Kadish | RHP | Marshall University | 2010 |
* | Signed but did-not play | |||||
** | Signed for 2011 Not here yet | |||||
June 7 , 2011
Honkers Take Game Two at Thunder Bay
Rochester, MN – The Rochester Honkers finally put a good game together both on the mound and in the batters box, beating the Thunder Bay Border Cats, 6-4, in game two of three in Canada.
Bryce Rippentrop (Jr, Dakota County Tech) got the start on the hill for the Honkers, earning his second win of the season. Rippentrop threw six innings, only allowing seven hits and three runs, while striking out nine. Bryce earned his first win of the season coming in relief Sunday, when the Honkers won in extra innings.
The Honkers saw good production out of their bats as well, every Honker in the batting order had at least one hit on the day. Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State) homered in the eighth, adding an insurance run for the Honkers. Jake Marasco (So, Kansas) continued to hit the ball well, going 3-for-5 on the day, hitting two singles and a double.
Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) continued to be strong out of the bullpen for the Honkers, earning the first save of the season for the Honkers, and his first in the Northwoods League. Jordan pitched 2.1 innings, allowing just one hit, while striking out two and not walking any. Jakubov also went 2-for-4 at the plate and scored one run, proving to be a double threat player for the Honkers.
Matt Beyer (Jr, UW-Whitewater) continued his strong season with a team leading .360 batting average. Beyer went 2-for-4, with a double, and another stolen base. Matt is second in the league with his eight stolen bases. Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) had his second multiple hit game of the season, Reid went 2-for-4, and drove in one run for Rochester.
The two teams will play the rubber match tomorrow, with a 6:05 start. The Honkers return home Thursday, June 9, when they play the Duluth Huskies in a two game series. Matt Strahm (Fr, Neosho County C.C.) will get his second start of the season, after starting the home opener. With the win, the Honkers are now 2-5 on the season.
June 7 , 2011
Slew of Honkers Drafted in First Half of Draft
The Rochester Honkers were represented well in the first half of the First Year Player draft today, Tuesday June 7. Some of the Honkers drafted have had reputable careers in the teal, some have yet to show up for their first season.
Overall, the Honkers had 14 players with ties to the organization drafted, most impressively, five players from this years squad, and six from the 2009 Northwoods League Championship squad.
The first player with Honker ties drafted was Drew Gagnon, in the third round to the Milwaukee Brewers, with the 100th pick overall. Gagnon was a member of the 2009 Championship Squad.
The first player on this year’s roster to be drafted was pitcher Brian Flynn, who is expected to still pitch for the Honkers for part of the summer. The 6’8”, 240-pound junior lefty from Wichita State was taken by the Detroit Tigers in the seventh round. In his junior year with the Shockers, Brian had a 6-4 record in 20 appearances, 11 being starts.
Overall, the Honkers had six pitchers and seven position players taken. Of the current roster, drafted Honkers include the aforementioned Brian Flynn, outfielder Ryan McIntyre of Cal State Bakersfield, infielder Zach Johnson of Oklahoma State, infielder/pitcher Martin Median also of Cal State Bakersfield, and left-handed pitcher Todd Simko of Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
David Hurlbut, left-handed pitcher from last years team, and Cal State Fullerton was drafted in the 28th round, and will more than likely see his career going through another Rochester. This one being Rochester, New York, the AAA farm club for the Minnesota Twins.
With a maximum of fifty rounds in the MLB draft, the Honkers could see more players drafted tomorrow. If you want to follow the draft, you can on MLB.com. The Honkers are in their 18th season of pure baseball, pure fun at Mayo Field. The next home game is Thursday, June 7, at 7:05 when they take on the Duluth Huskies.
Full List of Drafted Honkers
Round | Pick | Team | Player | Position | School | Year as Honker |
3rd | 100 | Milwaukee Brewers | Drew Gagnon | RHP | Cal State Long Beach | 2009 |
4th | 131 | Milwaukee Brewers | Nick Ramirez | 1B | Cal State Fullerton | 2009 |
5th | 164 | Los Angeles Dodgers | Scott McGough | RHP | Oregon | 2009 |
7th | 227 | Detroit Tigers | Brian Flynn | LHP | Wichita State | 2009, 2011 |
9th | 283 | Florida Marlins | Austin Barnes | C | Arizona State | 2009* |
10th | 311 | Milwaukee Brewers | Mike Strong | LHP | Oklahoma State | 2010 |
12th | 373 | Florida Marlins | Ryan McIntyre | OF | Cal State Bakersfield | 2011** |
15th | 460 | Houston Astros | Zach Johnson | 1B | Oklahoma State | 2011** |
19th | 574 | Arizona Diamondbacks | Danny Pulfer | 2B | Oregon | 2009,2010 |
19th | 588 | Colorado Rockies | Jesse Meaux | RHP | UC Santa Barbara | 2008 |
20th | 621 | Chicago White Sox | Martin Median | INF | Cal State Bakersfield | 2011** |
21st | 637 | Washington Nationals | Todd Simko | LHP | Texas A&M Corpus Christi | 2011** |
28th | 868 | Minnesota Twins | David Hurlbut | LHP | Cal State Fullerton | 2010 |
30th | 925 | Cincinatti Reds | Josef Terry | 3B | Cal State Fullerton | 2010 |
* Signed but did-not play
** Signed for 2011 Not here yet
June 6 , 2011
Honkers Fall in Pitching Duel
(Rochester, MN) – It was an old fashion pitching duel Monday night, when the Rochester Honkers traveled all the way up to Thunder Bay, Ontario, to match up against the Border Cats. The Honkers received an excellent pitching performance from Alex Alemann (So, St. Louis University), who pitched eight innings, allowing only two hits, and one run, while walking one and striking out eight.
Although the Honkers only got two hits, they stranded nine runners on base, seeing eight walks and one batter hit by the pitch during the game.
Alemann was making his second start of the season, after falling in the season opener against Mankato. With the loss, Alex moves to 0-2 on the season, with an ERA of 2.08. His counterpart on the night was Tyler Mack, who went six innings, allowing just one hit and striking out eight Honker batters. It was Mack’s first appearance of the season, so he is now 1-0.
Matt Beyer (Jr, UW-Whitewater), one of the league leaders in stolen bases was caught for the first time of the season, getting thrown out twice tonight.
The two teams will be back at it again tomorrow night, for the second game of the three game set in Thunder Bay. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 central time. Bryce Rippentrop (So, Dakota County Tech) will be on the mound for Rochester. The Honkers will return home on Thursday, June 9, when they take on the Duluth Huskies at Mayo Field, game time is 7:05.
June 5 , 2011
Kurth Sends Honkers to Canada Happy
The Rochester Honkers finally got the first win monkey off their back, after four unsuccessful tries to start the season. It may have taken ten innings, but the Honkers are finally in the win column, with a 2-1 win.
It came when Jake Kurth (Jr, Augustana) sent a full count pitch up the middle with runners on second and third, scoring Matt Beyer (Jr, UW-Whitewater). Beyer had a big day for the Honkers as well going 3-5 from the plate, as well as three stolen bases.
Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) got the start on the hill for the Honkers, Siefken pitched a great game, going six innings and only shelling out one walk. In his six innings, Siefken struck out five batters. The Honkers pitching staff issued a season low three walks today, and the defense was perfect, not making a single error.
The Honkers did have chances to close out the game earlier, stranding the bases loaded twice in the game, once in the first and eighth innings. The Honkers had Jake Marasco (So, Kansas) on third base with no outs but failed to drive him in.
One of those batters was Kurth, who eventually got his redemption in the tenth inning. Kurth battled back from a one ball two strike count, to drive the full count pitch for an obvious base hit.
Bryce Rippentrop (So, Dakota County Technical College) got the decision, pitching a perfect ninth and tenth innings, seeing six batters and sending them back to the dugout. Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) pitched the seventh and eighth inning, allowing only two hits, while walking one.
With the win, the Honkers record will move to 1-4in the early parts of the season, heading into their first long road trip, all the way to Thunder Bay, Ontario. Alex Alemann (So, St. Louis University) will get the nod on the mound for the Honkers, it will be his second start of the season. Alemann was the opening day starter, pitching five innings, and getting the loss.
The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05pm. The next Honker home game is Thursday June 9, when the Duluth Huskies travel to Rochester, first pitch is at 7:05pm.
June 4 , 2011
Honkers Fall at Home to Willmar
The Honkers pitching woes continued Saturday night against the Willmar Stingers. The Honkers issued nine walks, as well as one hit batsman, en route to a 9-1 loss in game one of a two game set against the Stingers.
Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) got the start on the mound for the Honkers, pitching 3.2 innings, only allowing two hits, but walking eight. Three runners did cross the plate with Dolsky on the hill, however neither of them were earned.
The Honkers fielding was also down again today, as five errors were made in the field. Of the nine runs the Stingers managed, only two were earned.
The Honkers struggled in the hitting department, getting shut down by the three Stinger pitchers. Anthony Consiglio got the start on the hill for Willmar pitching the first five innings, and getting the win. Consiglio’s official line was 5.0 innings, zero runs on one hit, and five strikeouts, he did walk five batters also.
Willmar did do some work with their bats however, managing twelve hits on the night. Quite the opposite of the Honkers bats, who couldn’t find a gap all day.
The Honkers had little bright spots in the batting order today, only earning two hits in the nine innings. Jake Marasco (So, Kansas) just missed a homerun in the eigth inning, hitting the top of the fence in the left field power alley. Marasco would get stranded on base.
Aaron Siefken (Jr, Bethany Lutheran) would come around to score after getting walked, a fielders choice, wild pitch and a pass ball, marking an unearned run for the Willmar pitching staff.
The Honkers will hope the change in game time tomorrow helps their odds, when both teams come back tomorrow for a Sunday matinee. Siefken will get the nod on the mound from head coach Stefan McGovern. Tanner Banks will be the starter for Willmar. Tanner has one win on the season, in 2.1 innings of relief. Game time is 1:05 pm, June 5, at Mayo Field.
June 3 , 2011
MoonDogs Sweep Honkers in Season Opening Series
The Rochester Honkers were looking for their first win of the season, and to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Mankato MoonDogs on Friday night, but the MoonDogs had other plans. Mankato came from behind early to sweep the Honkers with a score of 16-6.
The inning started off well with a walk issued to first basemen Jake Marasco (RsSo, Kansas), the walk was followed up by the second homerun of the season for right fielder Jimmie Koch(Fr, Florida Tech). Koch’s homerun put the Honkers up by two, but was not all for the boys in teal. A few good bounces for the Honkers, and a few walks later, it was 6-0 Honkers.
The Honkers elation quickly died down, when starting pitcher Robert Hansen (Fr, Vanderbilt), hit three straight batters, and then ran into more problems with control, walking. Before the inning was over, the MoonDogs had tied it up at six.
The Honkers woes would continue after the second inning, as the MoonDog bats came out hard. Mankato got homeruns out of Scott Sommerfeld and Blair Moore. Moore had four RBI on the night, while going 2-3.
Hansen was chased from the ballgame after only one complete inning, failing to get an out in the second. Hansen did not allow a hit, however did allow six runs, four of them earned. Reliever Jordan Jakubov (RsJr, Kansas) was given the loss, after pitching four innings, allowing six hits and four runs, three of them earned. He did strike out five batters in his four innings however.
MoonDog reliever Jeff Rohrbach got the win for the MoonDogs, after starter Kyle Richter was chased one and a third into the game. Rohrbach was lights out, not allowing a Honker run on six hits in 7.2 innings of relief. Rohrback struck out five batters, and did not walk one.
The two teams will make on their separate ways after the three game set. The Honkers will come home to a two game series against Willmar. First pitch is 7:05 pm, Saturday, June 4. Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) will be on the hill for the Honkers. Dolsky helped the Honkers out of a jam on Thursday’s home opener, pitching a third of an inning.
June 2 , 2011
MoonDogs Spoil Honkers Home Opener
(Rochester, MN) — The Rochester Honkers had revenge on their minds Thursday as the season opening series traveled to Rochester for the Honkers season opener. The Honkers wanted to get their first win of the season, and force a rubber match on Friday’s final game of the series. The MoonDogs had other plans however, toppling the Honkers by a score of 13-7.
Matt Strahm (Fr, Neosho County CC) was given the ball to start the opener for the Honkers. Strahm started strong, striking out six batters in the first four innings, before running into control problems, a homerun by Cody Ferrell, and a huge grand slam by Zach Borenstein. Borenstein had five RBI on the night.
The Honkers pitching staff struggled with control all night, walking 11 batters and allowing 13 runs on just six MoonDog hits. Between the walks and four errors in the field the Honkers seven run output was toppled.
The Honkers did manage to find their stride at the plate, with homeruns from Jimmie Koch (Fr, Florida Tech) and normally pitcher, turned designated hitter, Jordan Jakubov (RsJR, Kansas) in the second and third innings respectively. Second basemen Davy Wright (So, Texas Christian) managed to get his second extra base hit of the season, driving a triple over the center fielder’s head in the first inning.
Matt Mazzoni got the win for the MoonDogs, his official line was 6.0 innings pitched, three runs on four hits, well striking out five. Strahm got the loss for the Honkers, going 4.2 innings, allowing three this, for seven runs, and six strikeouts.
The two teams will finish out the three game series tomorrow, Friday June 3, at 7:05pm. The game will be played in Mankato at Franklin Rogers Park. Robert Hanson (Fr, Vanderbilt) will be on the mound for the Honkers and Kyle Ritcher will go for Mankato
The Honkers next home game is Saturday night, June 4, when they start a two game set with the Willmar Stingers. Saturday’s game is at 7:05pm followed by a Sunday matinee at 1:05pm.
June 1 , 2011
Honkers Travel to Mankato, Fall in Season Opener
(Rochester, MN) — The Northwoods League season is underway with all sixteen teams in action Wednesday night. The short-staffed Honkers traveled to Mankato to take on the MoonDogs. The MoonDogs would come up victorious, by a final score of 4-1.
Alex Alemann (So, St. Louis University) would get the opening day start for the Honkers, going five innings, giving up eight hits, and three runs, earning the loss for the Honkers.
The Honkers bats were kept relatively silent by the two strong arms Mankato threw at them. Starter Blake Schwartz, threw 6.2 innings, allowing five hits, and one run, while striking out nine, and reliever Nick Goody pitched the rest, not allowing a hit, and striking out six batters. MoonDogs right fielder Zach Borenstein went 2-for-4 on the day with a homerun, and two runs scored, and Zak Wasserman also went 2-for-4 on the day with an RBI.
Honkers second basemen Davy Wright (So. Texas Christian) went 1-for-4 with a double in the third inning, but was shut down by Schwartz and Goody after that, along with the rest of the Honkers batters.
The two teams will be back at it tomorrow, when Mankato travels to Rochester, for the Honkers home opener. First pitch is 7:05pm at Mayo Field, with a fireworks extravaganza to follow.
May 27 , 2011
Ruiz Steps Down as Field Manager, McGovern to Guide Club 2011
(Rochester, MN)–The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Ryan Ruiz, their scheduled Field Manager for the 2011 season, will not be joining the team this summer due to his new collegiate coaching responsibilities. Ruiz has accepted an assistant coaching position at Grand Canyon University, a Division II university in Phoenix, AZ, and will need to stay on campus and head up their recruiting process.
“This was one of the toughest decisions to make in my coaching career,” said Ruiz. “I love Rochester, the front office, players and fans, but I had to make a career choice towards my career goals.”
This situation is not uncommon in summer collegiate baseball with coaches trying to advance to the next level, just like players are. The Honkers lost their manager in 2010 when he took a professional job with the Toronto Blue Jays and Ruiz got the nod as his replacement.
The Honkers have acted quickly to replace Ruiz and are proud to announce that Stefan McGovern, Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Metro State College, a Division II program in Denver, CO, has been named their new Field Manager for 2011.
“I’m very excited to be named the Honkers new Field Manager for 2011,” said McGovern. “I know it was a very tough situation for the organization to deal with losing Coach Ruiz at the very last minute, but I am very confident in my abilities as a coach and manager.”
McGovern concentrates mostly with the hitters at Metro State. This past season, he guided his team to a .330 team average in 46 (29-17) games played (17th in the Nation). His team was also 6th in the Nation in runs per game (8.7), while having a slugging percentage of .503 and hitting 109 doubles. Impressive numbers as the new BBCOR bat certification rules are in effect. (BBCOR certification means that the bat will have the same kind of very restrictive trampoline effect that all wood bats have.)
“It’s my goal as part of this fine organization to not only bring Rochester their 6th NWL Championship, but to also help my players improve so they have the ability to play professionally.”
McGovern is no stranger to summer collegiate baseball. Last summer as an assistant coach for the Alaska Glacier Pilots of the Alaska Summer League, he guided the team to a 2nd place finish at the NBC World Series. He was also the Head Coach of the Denver Cougars of the Rocky Mountain Summer League, where he led them to their first league title in over 20 years. They also finished 3rdd in the NBC World Series, Colorado’s highest finish in NBC World Series history.
“Stefan will step in and do a great job,” added Ruiz. “He has summer ball experience with success as an assistant and manager. There is no doubt in my mind he can lead this team to a league championship. Thank you all for your support as my time in Rochester was an experience I will never forget.”
Ruiz finished the 2010 NWL Season 36-29 and guided the team to a first half North Division Championship. The Honkers swept St. Cloud 2-0 in the Divisional Playoffs and then lost in the pivotal game #3 of the NWL Championship Series to Eau Claire.
The Fans first look at Stefan McGovern will be on Media/Fan Day on Tuesday, June 2nd at 6pm. McGovern lands in Rochester late Monday and will join Honkers Pitching Coach, Peter Burg.
May 15 , 2011
Former Honker Returns to Guide Pitching Staff
(Rochester, MN)–The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club will bring back former pitcher from 2008, Peter Burg to skipper this year’s pitching staff. Burg pitched for the Honkers in the summer of 2008. He is a native of St. Cloud, Minnesota, graduating from Cathedral High School in 2006.
Burg has spent the past two seasons as the pitching coach at his alma mater the College of St. Scholastica. In his two seasons as a coach at St. Scholastica the Saints have won the UMAC tournament and advanced to the DIII National Tournament in consecutive years. He spent last summer coaching in the New York City Baseball League, for the Geneva Red Wings.
Prior to coaching, Burg pitched two seasons at St. Scholastica, compiling a 19-1 record in 24 appearances with the Saints. He was named to the All-Midwest Region Team both years as well has was All-American Honorable Mention in 2008. After being named the 2008 Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2008, he was named as a team captain in 2009. Prior to transferring to St. Scholastica, he was a member of the Valparaiso baseball squad for two years.
Burg held a 5-3 record in 12 appearances in 2008 with the Honkers, as well as a 2.09 ERA. He was selected as both a mid-season and a post-season All-Star teams, and given the Inspirational Player of the Year Award.
The Rochester Honkers 18th season begins on June 1st when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start. Their home opener is Thursday, June 2nd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.
April 25 , 2011
Two Jayhawks Join the Flock
(Rochester, MN)–The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of two players from the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Infielder Jake Marasco and pitcher Jordan Jakubov have joined the squad for the 2011 season.
Marasco is a 6’3”, 208-pound redshirt sophomore infielder who is currently hitting .284 with six doubles, two homeruns and 12 RBI. He just went 1-3 and scored two runs in KU’s 4-2 in over #4 ranked Texas on Saturday. Texas however took the series 2 games to 1.
A graduate of Maize High School in Wichita, KS, Marasco finished his senior season hitting .448 with 13 doubles and 33 RBI in only 23 games. He lettered four times in football and twice in baseball. Marasco was the KAKE TV student Athlete of the Year, Maize male Athlete of the Year and a member of the National Honor Society and Kansas Scholar Athlete.
Jakubov is a 6’4”, 193-pound redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher who has made 8 appearances on the year, pitching 10.0 innings and striking out 5. Opponents are only hitting .222 against him. Jakubov also graduated from Maize High School in Wichita, KS where he was selected as a Louisville Slugger All-American as a senior. Jakubov was named his team’s MVP twice during his prep career.
April 21 , 2011
House Finds a Home in Rochester
(Rochester, MN)—–The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of right-handed pitcher Austin House from the University of New Mexico.
The 6’4” 185-pound sophomore is a late inning reliever. House has appeared in team high 14 games, pitching 21.1 innings and striking out 15.
A 2009 graduate of La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, NM, House helped his team to a state championship in 2008 and was named first team all-state, first team all-district and first team all-metro as a senior. House was then drafted in the 25th round by the Boston Red Sox in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, but chose to attend New Mexico.
April 18 , 2011
Honkers Sign Cowboy from Oklahoma State
(Rochester, MN)—–The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Gabe Weidenaar, a versatile utility player from Oklahoma State University. The everyday starting center fielder is also called upon to set up their closer on the pitcher’s mound.
Weidenaar, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound junior is currently hitting .338 with seven doubles, two homeruns and 17 RBI for the # 18 ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys. He has made 6 appearances on the mound, striking out 12 in 14.1 innings of work and earning two saves. Opponents are only hitting .200 against him. His last mound outing was April 17th vs. #8 ranked Oklahoma where he pitched 3.0 innings of mid relief, allowing 2 runs, (1 earned) an striking out 3. OSU won the contest 10-11 in 10 innings.
Weidenaar played two years at the College of Southern Nevada before coming to Oklahoma State. As a sophomore, he hit .373 with seven home runs, 15 doubles and stole 13 bases. He recorded 98 strikeouts in 71 innings of work, while posting a 2.79 ERA. Weidenaar helped his team to the Junior College World Series in 2010 and was named to the SWAC second team all-conference.
The Rochester Honkers 18th season begins on June 1st when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start. Their home opener is Thursday, June 2nd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.
April 13 , 2011
Hutting Returns to Honkers Outfield
(Rochester, MN)—– The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Anthony Hutting, a sophomore outfielder from #8 ranked Cal State Fullerton, will return for his second season with the Honkers.
Hutting is a 6 foot, 185-pound lefty that is currently hitting .182 with two doubles and six RBI for the #8 ranked Titans. Last summer for the Honkers, Hutting hit .252 with 1 homerun and 15 RBI in 42 games played. As a freshman at CSF, Hutting appeared in 28 games, hitting .208 with 13 RBI. He was called upon to pinch hit 10 times, more than any other Titan.
Hutting was drafted in the 38th round by the Texas Rangers in the 2009 MLB First-Year Players Draft. His cousin, Aaron Rowand, is a starting outfielder for the San Francisco Giants and another cousin, James Shields, is a right-handed pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
April 11 , 2011
Bakersfield Pair Run to Rochester
(Rochester, MN)—– The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club has signed outfielder Ryan McIntyre and infielder/pitcher Martin Medina, both of the California State University-Bakersfield Roadrunners.
McIntyre, a 6-0, 190 pound junior, from Henderson, Nevada has started in all but one game so far this season for the Runners, and leads the team with a batting average of .371. He also leads the team in extra base hits with 15, ten doubles and four triples and a homerun. With those four triples, and 11 stolen bases on 13 attempts, McIntyre will look to bring speed to the Honkers.
Martin Medina, a 6-0, 200 pound, junior from Ventura, California, is a dual threat for the Runners, playing infield and pitching. Medina has started all 30 games in the infield for the Runners, and pitched in 10 as the closer. He currently leads the team in homeruns with four, and in RBI with 30. Medina has been one of the most reliable fielders for the Runners, with a fielding percentage of .986 (two errors in 137 plays).
As a pitcher, Medina has five saves on the season, in his 10 appearances. He has pitched 16.1 innings, allowing only 4 earned runs and striking out 21. He posts a 1-1 record with a 2.20 ERA while opponents are batting .260 against him.
Both McIntyre and Medina spent the past summer in the Alaska Summer League, playing for the Alaska Goldpanners. McIntyre is a 2008 graduate of Coronado High School in Henderson, Nevada, and Medina is also a 2008 graduate, but from Saint Bonaventure High School in Ventura, California.
April 8 , 2011
Kemp Named SEC co-Freshman of the Week
(Rochester, MN)–The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that outfielder Tony Kemp from Vanderbilt was named Southeastern Conference co-Freshman of the Week by the league.
Kemp was red-hot for the top-ranked Commodores last week recording a hit in all four games, going 9-18 with seven runs scored and two RBI. Over the weekend at Auburn, Kemp went 8-14 (.571) with five runs scored. Kemp recorded a career-best four hits in Friday night’s 11-6 win over Auburn, including his team-best fourth triple. He again set a career-high on Saturday with three runs scored and matched a career-best with two walks on Sunday. In nine SEC games, Kemp is leading the team with a .514 average (19-37), 11 runs and a .581 on-base percentage.
The Rochester Honkers 18th season begins on June 1st when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start. Their home opener is Thursday, June 2nd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.
April 5 , 2011
Honkers Hire Fisch as their New Voice
(Rochester, MN)-The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the hiring of Zack Fisch as the new Voice of Rochester Honkers Baseball for the 2011 season.
Fisch currently serves as the Play-by-Play Broadcaster for Husky Productions telecasts of St. Cloud State Men’s NCAA hockey. A junior at St. Cloud State University, Fisch is also the Sports Director at KVSC 88.1 FM (St. Cloud, MN) and has three years of experience behind the microphone calling St. Cloud State athletics.
"I am beyond thrilled to join the Honkers organization and take the reigns as the team's Play-by-Play broadcaster," Fisch said. "To be a part of an organization that has such a rich history and great reputation is an honor. I'm very excited to get behind the microphone in June."
Fisch takes over the microphone from Mike Wagenheim, who spent three seasons with the team and was unable to return due to his collegiate broadcasting responsibilities.
"I want to thank the Honkers,our fans and the community for a wonderful three years in Rochester,” said Wagenheim. “Zack is fortunate to have the opportunity to take over the microphone. I've heard nothing but good things about him and I know he's going to do a great job."
Fisch has also been the broadcaster for the Granite City Lumberjacks (St. Cloud, MN) of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League since 2009. He spent last summer as the Technical Producer on St. Cloud River Bats radio broadcasts. A native of Kansas City, Fisch is a four-time Minnesota Associated Press Broadcast award winner.
All 70 regular scheduled Rochester Honkers games and the post season will be heard again this season on Sports Radio AM 1520 “The Ticket” with Fisch having the call.
April 4 , 2011
Honkers Sign Future U of Hawaii Pitcher MacDonald
(Rochester, MN)-The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club has signed right-handed pitcher, Corey MacDonald, from Cosumnes River College for the 2011 season. The Davis, California native is signed to attend the University of Hawaii next season.
MacDonald is currently in his second season at Cosumnes River College, where he holds ERA of 1.26, the third lowest in the league. MacDonald has allowed 19 runs on the season; just six of them earned, and has struck out 33 batters, while only walking 11 in 43.0 innings of work. MacDonald is around the top of the Conference in many pitching stats, including earned runs (third with 6) and home runs allowed (tied for first with 0). Opponents are only hitting .234 against him.
MacDonald will be the eighth pitcher to sign with the Honkers for the 2011 season, a pitching unit that now has five right-handers and three left-handers.
April 1 , 2011
Judkins Returns to Coaching Staff
(Rochester, MN)-The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Andy Judkins will return to the Rochester Honkers coaching staff this summer. Judkins was the volunteer assistant last summer and this summer he will assist Field Manager Ryan Ruiz with the infielders and hitters.
“It’s a great honor to be back with the Honkers organization for a second season,” said Judkins. “Last year was a lot of fun with great success. We want to go out and finish what we started last year and win a Northwoods League Championship!”
Judkins is currently the Volunteer Assistant Coach at Central Arizona College, where Ryan Ruiz is the Assistant Coach.
“It’s great to have Judy (Judkins) back on my staff this summer,” said Ruiz. “He’s an up and coming coach that the players respect and respond too. I expect big things from him this summer.”
Prior to joining the Honkers coaching staff last summer, Judkins was an assistant coach for two years at Minnesota State University, Mankato (MN). He worked with the outfielders, catchers and all hitters during the season and concentrated on recruiting in off season.
A graduate of Concordia University in St. Paul, MN, Judkins and his wife Tracie and reside in Casa Grande, AZ.
The Rochester Honkers 18th season begins on June 1st when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start. Their home opener is Thursday, June 2nd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.
March 31 , 2011
Flynn Flies Back to Rochester
(Rochester, MN)-The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Brian Flynn, a left-handed pitcher from Wichita State, who played for the Honkers 2009 Championship Team, will return this summer.
Flynn, a 6’8”, 239-pound redshirt sophomore, is currently 2-0 with a 4.40 ERA. Flynn has appeared in 9 games, starting 3, collecting 25 strikeouts in 28.2 innings of work. Batters are only hitting .236 against him.
Flynn was redshirted last year and propelled himself to the AD’s honor roll for the spring of 2010. He then played in the summer for the El Dorado (Kansas) Broncos of the Jayhawk League where he was named the second-best prospect by Baseball America.
With the Honkers in 2009, Flynn went 6-2 with a 4.23 ERA. He collected 42 strikeouts in his 55.1 innings of work.
March 28 , 2011
Honkers Sign Kemp from #2 Vanderbilt
(Rochester, MN)-The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of freshman outfielder Tony Kemp from #2 ranked Vanderbilt University.
Kemp, a 5’6”, 160-pound left-handed hitting outfielder, is the leadoff man for the 22-3 Commodores. He is currently hitting .326 with three triples, 14 walks and 11 RBI. Kemp is also 5-8 in stolen bases.
Kemp graduated from Centennial High School in Franklin, TN where he earned four letters in both baseball and football. He was an All-District selection three years, and named All-Tournament, First team All-Midstate, All Williamson County, and team captain his junior and senior years. Kemp was also a four-year member of the honor roll and received the Merit Award for most outstanding senior. Kemp’s brother Corey played professionally in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
Kemp joins fellow Vanderbilt teammates, Robert Hansen and Spencer Navin to the Honkers this summer.
The Rochester Honkers 18th season begins on June 1st when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start. Their home opener is Thursday, June 2nd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.
March 24 , 2011
Karraker Returns to the Outfield
(Rochester, MN)–The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club is announcing the return of outfielder, Bryan Karraker, a temporary player on last year’s club. Karraker, a 5-10, 180-pound junior outfielder, from Phoenix, Arizona, and New Mexico State University, appeared in 21 games last season with the Honkers.
Karraker is currently hitting .302 with three doubles, two home runs and 16 RBI for New Mexico State. He has started 15 of 16 games in the outfield, primarily in right field.
In his 21 games with the Honkers last year, Karraker batted .280 with three home runs and eight RBI.
Karraker will have no problem adjusting to the managing styles of Honkers Field Manager, Ryan Ruiz, as he spent two seasons playing at Central Arizona, where Ruiz is an assistant coach. While at Central Arizona, he won the Region 1 Championship both times. Karraker acquired two first-team all-region awards, second team all-state and was announced as an NJCAA Rawlings Gold Glove winner in 2010.
March 22 , 2011
Honkers Sign Sun Devil
(Rochester, MN) The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams from Arizona State University.
The 6’3” 211-pound freshman is currently 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA. Used exclusively as a late inning reliever, Williams has appeared in a team high 9 games, pitching 13.2 innings, allowing only 2 earned runs, while striking out 18 and holding opponents to a mere .111 batting average. He recorded his only save on March 12th at Auburn holding the Tigers hitless for the final 2.2 innings in the 9-5 ASU win.
Williams graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, CA., where he earned three letters in baseball. He finished his senior season with a 10-2 record while hitting .432. Williams was then a First Team All-League and Second Team All-CIF pick and named the Team MVP, an honor he was awarded twice during high school. Williams was also a preseason Under Armour All-American.
The Rochester Honkers 18th season begins on June 1st when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start. Their home opener is Thursday, June 2nd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.
March 18 , 2011
Honkers Sign Two Returning Pitchers
(Rochester, MN) –The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club is thrilled to announce the signing of two returning right-handed pitchers, Nick Dolsky and Sean Martin. Both played partial seasons with the Honkers last summer, and will be in Rochester for a full season this summer.
Martin, a 6-1 junior from Newark, California, is currently playing for San Jose State University. Martin has appeared in four games in this early season, starting three, and holds 0-0 record with a 6.75 ERA.
Last summer with the Honkers, Martin posted a 2-2 record, while appearing in 13 games. In 57 innings pitched, Martin was second on the team in strikeouts, with 49.
Dolsky, a 6-8 red shirt freshmen from Apple Valley, Minnesota, is currently playing for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. Dolsky has appeared in one game so far this season, allowing one hit and no runs in one inning pitched.
Dolsky made three appearances last season for the Honkers, before shutting down for the summer due to arm troubles. In 8.2 innings pitched, he fanned seven batters, and held an ERA of 6.23. Coming out of high school, Dolsky was one of the top pitching prospects in the state of Minnesota.
March 15 , 2011
Honkers Sign Hambright Brothers
(Rochester, MN) –The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club is thrilled to announce the signing of brothers, Ryan and Brett Hambright, who both play for the University of Oregon.
Ryan, a sophomore infielder and pitcher with the Ducks, is returning to Rochester for his second season. Last year with the Honkers, Ryan posted a team high .364 batting average, with 28 RBI, four homeruns, and a .593 slugging percentage, which also was a team high. With the Ducks this season, Ryan is posting a .220 batting average with four RBI.
Brett is a redshirt junior catcher, playing in his first season at Oregon after transferring to the Ducks from, Riverside Community College. Brett has appeared in seven games so far this season, posting a .071 batting average, with one hit in 14 at bats. While at Riverside last season, Brett batted .313, while leading the team in hits with 56, runs scored with 38, and doubles with 11. Brett was drafted in 2007 by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 34th round and then again in the 38th round by the Colorado Rockies in 2009.
The brothers both attended Temescal Canyon High School in Carona, CA. where they were both members of the 2007 Southwestern League Champions, as well as both receiving many individual accolades through their years.
They will be joining fellow Ducks, Aaron Jones, and Aaron Payne, when they travel to Rochester this summer.
March 14 , 2011
Honkers Sign 2 from #2 Vanderbilt
(Rochester, MN) –The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing right-handed pitcher Robert Hansen and catcher Spencer Navin from #2 ranked Vanderbilt University.
Hansen is a 5’11”, 155-pound freshman from Hendersonville, TN. He lettered all four years in baseball at Beach High School. After his senior season, Hansen was named the 2010 All-Midstate Player of the Year, District 9-AAA MVP, and Team MVP. He was then drafted in the 45th round by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2010 Amateur Players Draft.
Navin is 6’1”, 190-pound freshman from Des Moines, IA. He lettered all four years in baseball at Dowling High School, including earning 2 letters in both football and basketball. Navin was team captain of the baseball and basketball teams as a junior and senior. He was a first team All-State player in baseball and football, a three-time All-Conference selection in baseball, twice in football and once in basketball. Navin was also named the Dowling High School Athlete of the Year.
The Rochester Honkers 18th season begins on June 1st when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start. Their home opener is Thursday, June 2nd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.
March 7 , 2011
Honkers Sign a Couple of Aarons
(Rochester, MN) –The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced the signing of catcher/ utility player, Aaron Jones and infielder, Aaron Payne, today for the 2011 season.
The two are both freshmen at the University of Oregon, and traveled to Oregon from San Clemente High School (San Clemente, CA), where they played High School ball together. Jones is on the roster as a catcher, but has played significant time in the outfield at Oregon.
Jones, the opening day right fielder, and lead-off man for the Ducks, is batting .318 in the early parts of the campaign, with two home runs, six RBI and 14 hits, all team highs. The closest Ducks in hits have nine on the season. Jones also boasts a .545 slugging percentage.
Jones had many notable accolades in high school, including being named the South Coast League Co-MVP, and set a school record with nine home runs and 36 games. His superior senior season led to the Boston Red Sox drafting him in the 38th round of the 2010 Amateur Players draft. He is also the brother of former Rochester Honker, Chris Jones who played for the 2006 Championship Team.
Payne has yet to see the field this season, but shows a lot of promise with his high school stats. As a senior, Payne hit .419 and led the team in doubles with 18, and runs scored with 31.
The Duck Duo both played in the Orange County All-Star game, and were chosen for the first team All-South Coast League.
February 28 , 2011
Honkers Sign a Pair of Illini for 2011
(Rochester, MN) –The Rochester Honkers Baseball Organization announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Kevin Johnson and infielder Reid Roper today for the 2011 season. Both play at the University of Illinois, and will be first year Honkers.
Johnson, is a 6’3”, 210-pound sophomore from Midlothian, Ill, has had two starts for the Illini thus far this season, including the opening day nod. Johnson boasts a 1-1 record, winning this past Friday against Florida Gulf Coast University, going five innings, while only allowing 2 runs on 3 hits. In 9.2 innings pitched this season, Johnson holds a 1.93 ERA, with four strikeouts.
As a freshman at Illinois, Johnson appeared in 13 games, all as a starter, finishing the season with a 5-2 record, the second-most wins by a freshman in school history. His 56 strikeouts were the most on the Illini pitching staff.
Roper, is a 6’0”, 200-pound freshman from Harrisburg, Ill. He was drafted as a catcher by the Atlanta Braves, in the 29th round in the 2010 Amateur Baseball draft. Roper played all around the diamond in high school, and will come to the Honkers as an infielder.
The Rochester Honkers 18th season begins on June 1st when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start. Their home opener is Thursday, June 2nd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.
February 26 , 2011
Slider Wins Contest!
(Rochester, MN) –The Walker family, from Byron, MN was awarded First Place in the snowman competition held at Somerby Golf Community Saturday afternoon.
In the annual Winterfest Celebration held at Somerby, families were encouraged to build snowmen or snowwomen, but the Walker’s took it step farther, and Snow Slider was awarded First Place and the Blue Ribbon!
Congratulations to the Walker family, Melody, Brenda, Grace Charlie and Mike!
February 24 , 2011
Honkers Sign Simko
(Rochester, MN) –The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of left-handed pitcher Todd Simko from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
The 6’4” 220-pound junior is currently 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 1 save. He just recorded his first save on Feb. 22nd when he shut down #6 ranked Texas, at Texas, in the 9th inning to preserve the 8-7 win. Simko was the A&M Corpus Christi opening day starter vs. Mississippi Valley on Feb. 18th. He pitched 5.0 innings allowing 0 runs on 3 hits and striking out 7 in route to 12-2 win. Overall batters are currently only hitting .167 against him.
Simko played his first two years of collegiate baseball at Cuesta College in San Louis Obispo, CA before joining A&M Corpus Christi.
February 21 , 2011
Haig Returns for his Fourth Season
(Rochester, MN) –The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that left-handed pitcher Phil Haig, will return for his fourth consecutive season with the Rochester Honkers. Haig becomes the first Rochester Honker to play four seasons with the team.
Haig is a 6’4” 205-pound redshirt junior from Florida International University. He made his FIU debut on Saturday, February 19th when he guided the Panthers to an 8-3 victory versus Southeastern Louisiana. Haig went 7.0 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and striking out 8 for the win, and the team’s first win of 2011. Haig sat out the 2010 season at FIU as mandated by NCAA transfer rules.
Last summer for Rochester, Haig went 2-1 with a 5.95 ERA and struck out 29 in 36.1 innings of work. Haig pitched game 2 of the 2010 NWL Championship Series versus Eau Claire, earning the win in the 11-0 victory and forcing the decisive game 3. Haig pitched 7.0 innings, allowing 0 runs and scattering 4 hits to lead the team.
Before transferring to Florida International, Haig spent 2 years at the University of Illinois. The Inver Grove Heights, MN native is majoring in Sport Management.
The Rochester Honkers 18th season begins on June 1st when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start. Their home opener is Thursday, June 2nd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.
January , 2011
Honkers Nominated for Award
Misty May-Treanor, Olympic Sand Volleyball Player, Guest Speaker
(Rochester, MN) –The Rochester Honkers were recently nominated by the Rochester Amateur Sports Commission as Finalist for the 2010 ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR.
We hope that you will join us for the 6th Annual Rochester Area Sports Banquet which will be held Monday, January 24th, 2011 at the Mayo Civic Center Auditorium.
The night will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. along with a silent auction of sports memorabilia with all the proceeds going to the Rochester Boys and Girls Club. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. with the awards to follow. Olympic Sand Volleyball Player, Misty May-Treanor, is the guest speaker.