Honkers Win with Offensive Outburst
Published on July 25, 2013 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Rochester Honkers News Release
(Rochester, MN) - After three days of rest for the Northwoods League All-Star break, the Rochester Honkers bats exploded for 18 hits and three homeruns in a 13-4 win over the Willmar Stingers on Thursday July 25 at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar, MN.
Kevin Barker (UC Davis) got things started in the top of the first inning by reaching on an infield single. Kalei Hanawahine (Hawaii) and Max Murphy (Bradley) followed with back-to-back RBI doubles to give the Honkers an early 2-0 lead. Jared Deacon (Cal State Fullerton) hit a solo homerun, his first of the season, in the top of the second inning to increase the lead to three runs.
Tyler Baker (Wichita State) launched a two-run homerun, also his first on the year, in the top of the third inning. Deacon, Mike Friel (Hofstra,) Barker, and Hanawahine followed with one RBI each in the inning to fuel a six-run inning to build a 9-0 lead.
Rochester starting pitcher Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) ran into trouble in the bottom of the third inning as he surrendered three runs and was relieved by Nathan Roth (Doane College) who retired the final two batters and left the bases loaded. Willmar added a run in the bottom of the fourth inning, but again, Roth was able to escape a bases loaded jam and preserve the 9-4 lead.
The Honkers added to their lead in the top of the seventh inning when Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) started the inning with a single and Deacon reached on a walk. Campbell scored on a RBI groundout from Barker, while Deacon scored on a double from Murphy. Campbell blasted a two-run homerun, his fourth of the season, to increase the lead to 13-4 in the eighth inning.
Roth earned the win (1-1) for the Honkers. He allowed one run on three hits in 6.1 innings in relief, while striking out six. Nick Bates took the loss (2-1) for the Stingers, as he allowed three runs on five hits in two innings of work. Eppler allowed three runs on four hits in 2.1 innings for Rochester.
Barker, Hanawahine, and Murphy each collected three hits and multiple RBI on the night to lead the Honkers offense. Baker and Campbell added a pair of hits and two RBI each.
The two teams will continue a three-game series on Friday July 26 at 7:05 p.m. in Willmar. Matt Kent (Texas A&M) is slated to start for Rochester (3-16, 21-33.) Colin Poche is scheduled to start for Willmar ( 8-10, 31-22) in match-up between two All-Star pitchers. The Honkers will return home to Mayo Field on Saturday July 27 at 7:05 p.m. to host the Stingers in the series finale.
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