Northwoods Rochester Honkers

Honkers Become First Team in Northwoods League History to Reach 700

Published on July 26, 2013 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Rochester Honkers News Release


(Rochester,MN) - The Rochester Honkers became the first team in Northwoods League history to reach 700 all-time wins with a 5-1 win over the Willmar Stingers on Friday, July 26, at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar, MN.

Kevin Barker (UC Davis) was hit by a pitch to start the top of the first inning and came around to score the game's first run on a wild pitch to give the Honkers an early 1-0 lead. Barker and Kalei Hanawahine (Hawii) drew back-to-back walks to start the top of the third inning and set up a two-run double from Max Murphy (Bradley) to increase the lead to 3-0.

Rochester added a pair of runs in the top of the seventh inning on consecutive run-producing hits from Murphy and Tyler Baker (Wichita State) to increase its lead to five runs. Willmar got on the scoreboard in the bottom half of the seventh inning when Tyler Leffler singled and came around to score on a two-out RBI double from Michael Suchy.

Matt Kent (Texas A&M) was superb in his first start after his appearance in the All-Star Game as he earned the win (4-2.) He allowed just four hits in six shutout innings, while collecting six strikeouts. Andrew Woeck took the loss (2-1) for the Stingers, as he allowed three runs on four hits in six innings of work. Reid Roper (Illinois) pitched two perfect innings in relief for the Honkers. He has now tallied 22 scoreless innings on the season and has not allowed a hit in his last 9.1 innings of work.

Murphy led the offensive attack for Rochester as he went 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles--giving him five in the last two games--and three RBI. Baker and Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton) added a pair of hits on the night.

With the win, the Honkers have become the first club in Northwoods League history to reach 700 wins. Rochester tallied its 600th win in 2010 and were joined in the 600-win club this season by Waterloo, Wisconsin, and St. Cloud. Entering Friday's action, Waterloo sat in second place all-time with 638 wins.

The Honkers will look to complete the series sweep over the Stingers on Saturday July 27 at 7:05 p.m. at Mayo Field. Nick Dolsky (Oklahoma State) is scheduled to make the start for Rochester (4-16, 22-33.) Colin Poche is slated to take the ball for Willmar (8-11, 31-23.) The game is the only home game before the Honkers begin an eight-game road trip with stops in Battle Creek, Lakeshore, St. Cloud, and Thunder Bay.

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