Northwoods Rochester Honkers

McKenzie out Duels Stingers

August 1, 2011 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Rochester Honkers News Release


(Rochester, MN) - Fresh off four games in two days, the Rochester Honkers picked up another victory down the home stretch. The Honkers defeated the Willmar Stingers 2-1 in walk off fashion Monday night at Mayo Field, off a base hit by Devin Thaut (Jr, Southern Polytechnic State). The Honkers now move to 13-12 in the second half, four games behind the Alexandria Beetles for the North Division crown.

Jeff McKenzie (So, Delta College) got the start on the mound for the Honkers. McKenzie pitched an almost flawless game, pitching eight innings and allowing one run on six hits. He also struck out a season high six batters in what matched his season high of eight innings pitched. McKenzie would get the no-decision, leaving with the score 1-0 in favor of the Stingers.

Rochester native Kyle Sursley (Fr, RCTC) made his Honker debut, pitching a scoreless ninth inning, allowing no hits after hitting the first batter he faced. He would be credited with the win after his lone inning of relief.

Even though the Honkers out hit the Stingers, they couldn't find a way on the scoreboard until the ninth inning. Down to their last strike, another Honker newcomer Jake Page (Fr, Madison College) singled to center to score Erik Mattingly (Jr, Creighton) who doubled to lead off the inning. Thaut would hit another single up the middle on the next at-bat, scoring Reid Roper (Fr, Illinois) who was intentionally walked earlier in the inning, to win the game for the Honkers.

Aside from the walk off hit, Thaut was 3-for-3 on the game with a walk. Ryan Hambright (So, Oregon) also had a strong day at the plate in his return from a concussion he suffered earlier this season, going 3-for-4 at the plate.

The Honkers and Stingers will return to Mayo Field tomorrow for a 7:05 first pitch. The first 500 fans will receive a Honkers Poster upon entering Mayo Field for the game. The Honkers will have Nick Dolsky (So, Nebraska) on the mound making his second start in the second half of the season.



Northwoods League Stories from August 1, 2011


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