DULUTH — The Rochester Honkers just can't catch a break.
The Honkers held a 2-1 lead over the Duluth Huskies on Thursday night at Wade Stadium. But the Huskies scored two times in the bottom of the seventh and held on for the 3-2 Northwoods League victory.
It is Rochester's eighth consecutive loss and it is now 0-8 in the second half of the Northwoods League season.
After falling behind 1-0, the Honkers rallied in the second. Tyler Baker (Wichita State) and Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) drew back-to-back walks to start off the frame, and Reid Roper (Illinois) followed with a single to load the bases.
Baker scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Matt Halloran (Minnesota).
ADVERTISEMENT
The Honkers went in front in the third. Carter Burgess (Sam Houston State) started the top of the tinning by reaching on a walk and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Max Murphy (Bradley). Burgess scored on a two-out single from Baker to put the Honkers up 2-1.
But the Huskies weren't done scoring, and they got the big rally in the seventh.
Dan Schmidt earned the win (1-0) for the Huskies as he pitched two scoreless innings in relief.
Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) took the loss (2-2) for the Honkers. He allowed three runs, though just one was earned, on five hits in 6 1/3 innings of work.
Roper came in and pitched well in relief, throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
Duluth starter T.J. Nowak allowed two runs on six hits in six innings of work. Nate Carter earned the save.
Baker and Halloran pced the Honkers offense. They each smacked a hit and an RBI.
The Honkers, who are 18-25 overall this summer, return home to host the Willmar Stingers at 7:05 tonight at Mayo Field.
ADVERTISEMENT
Matt Kent (Texas A&M) is scheduled to start on the mound for the Honkers.
The game has been dubbed "Jersey Night" and is presented by Wells Fargo. The first 500 fans in attendance receive free jerseys.
The game is the first of a two-game set against the Stingers, before the Honkers head back to Duluth for another series against the Huskies.
