Tyler Rolland (Southern Illinois) is going to the all-star game and stellar defensive plays like this are a reason why. He hit the deck to rob Ryne Roper of extra bases. The Border Cats dropped another tough one to the Honkers 4-1 at TBaytel Park. (Photo courtesy of James Mirabelli Photography).

A three run 9th inning was the difference at TBaytel Park as the Rochester Honkers swept the Thunder Bay Border Cats by a score of 4-1. The Cats dropped four in a row heading into the all-star break.

Rochester's offense was sparked by Blaise Lezynski and Connor Schaefbauer both collected two hit nights with an RBI. Lezynski's solo home run tied the game, as he scored twice in the game. Parker Guinn and Corey Hassel drove in the other RBI's for the Honkers.

Thunder Bay outhit Rochester 10-6. Three batters collected two hits with Adam Collins (Central Michigan), Tyler Rolland (Southern Illinois) and Kyle Comer (Minnesota-Duluth) all swinging the bat well. Nick Studer (Doane College drove in the first run of the ball game on a sacrifice fly in the 2nd.

Matt Kent had a fantastic start for the Honkers. The sophomore put together a quality start going six strong allowing six hits two walks and one unearned run. He struck down four Cats and picked off three baserunners. Spencer Greer picked up the win (4-1) in relief pitching a pair of shutout innings allowing three hits.

Gunnar Kay (Dallas Baptist) matched Kent's effort and had a fantastic performance. He went 5 2/3 allowing one hit, walking four and striking out a Honker, not letting up any runs. Nathan Aultman (Northwestern State) let up the winning run in the 9th taking the loss (0-1) in tough outing for the reliable right hander.

It was the ninth inning put down by the Honkers that earned the sweep. Guinn's single with none out and runners on second and third broke a 1-1 tie. An error by Aultman and then one by Rolland in left proved costly. Schaefbauer singled and then Hassel put a sacrifice fly into center to give the Honkers all the runs they would need for the victory.

The Northwoods League looks next to the All-Star break. Catcher Christian Correa (Nicholls State) and Left Fielder Tyler Rolland (Southern Illinois) will be the representatives for the Border Cats. The next game for the Cats will be in Willmar, as they will take on the North Division leading Stingers.