Waterloo, IA – Despite loading the bases in the ninth inning with a chance to win the game with a swing of the bat, the Waterloo Bucks (0–1) came up short against the Rochester Honkers (1–0) on Opening Day, 6–3.

The Bucks were up early in the game courtesy of a two-run home run from designated hitter Drake Wescott, but the Honkers went on to score six unanswered runs in the next five innings. A run in the bottom of the ninth helped shave the Bucks’ deficit to three, but Honkers reliever Dylan Trostup shut the door with a strikeout of Bucks infielder Greg Nichols.

The Honkers’ Opening Day starter Jon Rossi gave the Bucks fits all afternoon, giving up just two runs on two hits through six innings before handing things over the Trostup for the final three frames.

The Opening Day starter for the Bucks, Seth White, pitched well through four innings before giving up two runs in the fifth inning. Bradley Vondruska relieved White out of the bullpen in the sixth inning and struggled to outs, giving up three more runs while only getting thought 1.2 innings. Drew Scherbenske relieved came into the game for the Bucks and managed to settle down the Honkers batting order, giving up just one hit in 2.1 innings.

The Bucks will be back in action tomorrow against the Honkers. That game is set for a 6:35 p.m. first pitch.