THUNDER BAY, Ont. — The Rochester Honkers lost the second of a five-game series to the Thunder Bay Border Cats 7-4 on Sunday.
With the loss on Canada Day, Rochester has now dropped four straight games after winning the first game of the 10-game road trip in St. Cloud last Wednesday.
The Border Cats took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning on a solo home from first baseman Patrick Gallagher (UCLA). The Honkers tied it up in the top half of the fourth with an RBI single by Cole Lankford (Texas A&M), scoring Jordan Parr (Illinois) after his leadoff triple.
The game's big blow came in the sixth inning when Thunder Bay designated hitter Scott Donley (Indiana) doubled with the bases loaded off reliever Elliot Engle (Doane) to drive in three runs, breaking a 3-3 tie.
The Honkers left a staggering 13 runners on base in the game. Left fielder Justin Parr (Illinois) had up three hits and also pitched a scoreless eighth inning with two strikeouts. Dakota Smith (Kansas) and Cole Lankford each had two hits and an RBI.
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• On Saturday, the Honkers lost 4-2.
Veteran Honkers pitcher Nick Dolsky made his 2012 debut, starting and giving up two runs (one unearned) in two innings on two walks, a hit-by-pitch, a pass ball, a hit and an error.
Honkers reliever Jordan Millbrath (Augustana) came on in relief and lasted the next 5.0 innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits.
Honkers catcher Cole Lankford (Texas A&M) hit his first home run of the season in the top of the third inning.
The Honkers loaded the bases in the top of the seventh inning and a two-out walk to second baseman Justin Protacio (Kansas) forced in a run to make it 4-2, but Jordan Parr struck out to end the inning and leave three runners on base.
• The series continues tonight with a game at 6:05 p.m. CDT. The Honkers return home Saturday with a 7:05 game with Willmar.
