Newsroom
December 05, 2006
2007 Rochester Honkers Schedule Released!
(Rochester, MN)- The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today its complete game schedule for the 2007 season. The defending Northwoods League Champions season begins at home on Thursday, May 31st at 7:05PM against the Mankato MoonDogs.
The Honkers will play a 68 game schedule in 74 days, beginning on May 31st and ending on August 12th. The 13th Annual NWL All-Star Game will be on Wednesday, July 11th at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato, MN. The NWL Playoff Series will take place from August 13th to August 18th. The winner of each division’s two halves will meet in a best-of-three divisional playoff series(Aug.13,14,15) with the winners advancing to the NWL Championship Series(Aug.16,17,18), also a best-of-three.
The NWL also announced the addition of two new franchises to begin play in 2007, expanding the league to 14 teams. The new teams will be located in Green Bay, WI and Battle Creek, MI. Expansion has forced the NWL to re-align their divisions with the Rochester Honkers now playing in the North Division while Green Bay and Battle Creek will enter the South Division.
The Honkers will face each North Division team 8 times (4 home, 4 away) and each South Division team 4 times (2 home, 2 away) with the exception of Green Bay and Wisconsin. This will be the first year since the NWL’s inception that the Honkers will not play the Wisconsin Woodchucks.
Divisional Alignment:
Years in parenthesis denote the franchise’s first season in the league.
^2006 postseason team – *2006 division champion – #2006 Northwoods League Champion
North Division
^ * # Rochester Honkers (1994)
Alexandria Beetles (2001)
Brainerd Blue Thunder (2005)
^ * Duluth Huskies (2003)
Mankato MoonDogs (1999)
St. Cloud River Bats (1997)
^ * Thunder Bay Border Cats (2003)
Sorth Division
Battle Creek TBD (2007)
Eau Claire Express (2005)
La Crosse Loggers (2003)
^ Madison Mallards (2001)
Waterloo Bucks (1995)
Wisconsin (Wausau) Woodchucks (1994)
Green Bay Bullfrogs (2007)
The entire NWL schedule is available at www.northwoodsleague.com.
November 03, 2006
Aaron Senne Signs With Honkers
Rochester, MN— The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Rochester native Aaron Senne for the 2007 Northwoods League season. Senne, a 6’3” 187 lb outfielder and left handed pitcher is currently a freshman at the University of Missouri.
“It's going to be really nice playing ball back in Rochesterin front of all of my friends, family and fans of the Honkers,” said Senne. “I'd like to be a part of another Northwoods Leaguechampionship this upcoming summer.It's going to be a blast!”
Senne graduated from Rochester Mayo High School in 2006 where he finished his senior season hitting .552. He led the Spartans in home runs (9), RBI (29), doubles (11) and triples (1). As a pitcher, he posted a 6-2 record while leading the team in ERA (2.02), strikeouts (71) and innings pitched (47.2). He allowed the only 15 earned runs and walked 15. For his outstanding season, Senne was named the Gatorade Minnesota High School Player of the Year, and was also named Mayo High School’s Mr. Golden Arm and Mr. Offense. Senne was then drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 13th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.
In the summer, Senne played for the Rochester Red Hawks American Legion team. In the Division I American Legion Tournament, Senne went 19-31 at the plate with 5 home runs, 5 doubles, 15 RBI, and an amazing slugging percentage of 1.290. He was then named the Division I Tournament Outstanding Player.
As a junior, Senne hit .531 with 10 home runs. On the mound, he went 7-3 with a 1.30 ERA while striking out 53 in 55.0 innings pitched. Senne holds two Mayo High School career offensive records, a .502 batting average and 28 home runs, which is also third best all-time in Minnesota.
October 16, 2006
NWL Names Litzinger "Executive Of The Year"
Rochester, MN – The Northwoods League announced that Dan Litzinger, General Manager of the Rochester Honkers, has been named 2006 Executive of the Year. The award, which was decided by a vote of team officials at the League’s annual fall meetings last week in Rochester, MN, is given annually to the League’s outstanding executive.
“Congratulations to Dan for this long overdue honor,” said Dick Radatz, Jr., Northwoods League President. “This award represents a culmination of Dan’s achievements and hard work since the inception of the Northwoods League.”
Litzinger, 40, has seen and done nearly everything in his 13 seasons with the Honkers, one of the League’s original franchises. Beginning as an intern during the Honkers’ first season in 1994 to his current position as General Manager and Co-Owner, Dan has been part of four NWL Championships including this past season. The 2006 Honkers set numerous League records including regular season wins (50) and winning percentage (.746) en route to the title. The Honkers completed two-game sweeps in both the Divisional and Championship Series to claim the championship and finish with an incredible overall record of 54-17.
The Honkers also established a new team attendance record for a fifth consecutive season. The team drew 49,264 fans in 34 home dates at Mayo Field in 2006, eclipsing the previous mark of 43,673 set last season.
“This is a great honor to receive as it reflects on the hard work and dedication of the entire Rochester Honkers organization,” said Litzinger.“The continued success of the Rochester Honkers is a team effort and without the drive of Kim Archer, Owner, and Greg Labbe, Field Manager, this would not have been possible.This really caps off a special year for the entire organization.”
October 12, 2006
Honkers Front Office Expands
Rochester, MN— The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Jake Poepl and Reggie Grams have joined the front office for the 2007 season. This brings the Honkers front office staff to four, joining Kim Archer and Dan Litzinger.
Poepl, 27, has been the voice of the Rochester Honkers since 2005, calling all home and road games on AM 1520, The Ticket.
“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to work in the front office every day for a great team like the Honkers and continue to call all home and road games next summer,” said Poepl.
Poepl’s off-season duties will focus on sales, marketing, promotions and media relations. During the season, he will continue to be the voice of the Honkers calling all home and road games. Poepl graduated from Winona State University in December 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication with an emphasis in Broadcasting and a minor in history. He also served as the Sports Director at KQAL FM 89.5, the WSU campus radio station
Grams, 22, joins the Honkers after spending a summer with the Brainerd Blue Thunder. He was responsible for game day operations, concession management and group sales.
“I am really looking forward to the opportunity to work with the Honkers and am excited to see how Jake and I can help out this season,” said Grams.
Grams will be responsible for sales, marketing and stadium operations. A native of North Branch, MN, Grams attended Northwestern College in St. Paul where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in General Business with an emphasis in marketing and management.
September 18, 2006
Northwoods League Announces Silver Glove Winners
Rochester, MN –
The Northwoods League, in conjunction with Rawlings, has announced the recipients of the 2006 Silver Glove Award winners. The Silver Glove is awarded annually to the League’s “Finest in the Field”, recognizing the top fielders at each position.
This year’s squad includes two players previously named to the NWL post-season All-Star team, first baseman Lucas Duda (Southern California) and outfielder Andy Dirks (Hutchinson CC). The La Crosse Loggers were the only team to be represented twice as outfielder Travis Check (Western Illinois) and pitcher Jason Dominguez (Pepperdine) were both honored at their respective position.
The winners are selected based on final official fielding statistics compiled by League statistician Sports Ticker, a Bristol, CT based sports statistical service company.
This season’s Silver Glove Award winners are:
Pitcher Jason Dominguez (Pepperdine University) La Crosse Loggers
Catcher Shea Harris (Gardner-Webb University) Rochester Honkers
First Base Lucas Duda (University of Southern California) Alexandria Beetles
Second Base Justin McKenzie (Grand Valley State University) Eau Claire Express
Shortstop Bryan Cartie (McNeese State University) St. Cloud River Bats
Third Base Dan Pirillo (Long Island University) Thunder Bay Border Cats
Outfielder Travis Check (Western Illinois University) La Crosse Loggers
Outfielder Andy Dirks (Hutchinson Community College) Brainerd Blue Thunder
Outfielder Robert Matlock (Freed-Hardeman University) Waterloo Bucks
Previous Rochester Honkers Silver Glove Award Winners
2005 Dan Lyons (Iowa Central Community College) Second Base
2004 Matt Eckardt (Florida) Pitcher
2002 Andre Ethier (Arizona State) Outfield
September 15, 2006
Greg Labbe To Return to Honkers in 2007!
Rochester, MN – The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that 2006 Northwoods League Manager of the Year Greg Labbe will return to manage the Honkers in 2007. Labbe, who led the Honkers to their fourth Northwoods League Championship and first since 1999, will look to defend his title and win back to back championships for the first time since the Northwoods League’s inception in 1994.
“I am really excited about the opportunity to come back and win another Northwoods League Championship,” said Labbe, 28. “I know that lasts year’s team was a special one, and trying to replace those guys is going to be a challenge, but I look forward to it. No one has ever won back-to-back championships and I feel with the players that we have coming back and those that we will add this year we should be able to make a run at another championship.”
Under Labbe, the 2006 Honkers tied a league record for wins in a half with 24 only to top that mark winning 26 games in the second half. On August 12th, the Honkers reached yet another milestone as they became the only team in Northwoods League history to win 50 games, breaking the previous record for wins in a season (46) set by the 1998 Waterloo Bucks. On the way to 50, the Honkers had a number of impressive winning streaks including runs of 8, 9, and 11. In addition to the long winning streaks, Labbe’s Honkers endured only two losing streaks on the year totaling only 2 and 3 games respectively. The Honkers .735 winning percentage also set a new league record breaking the previous record of .730 held by the 1998 Waterloo Bucks.
In Labbe’s two seasons as the Honkers’ Field Manager, he has compiled an impressive overall record of 99-44 (.692), 2 playoff berths in which his overall record is 5-2, and his first Northwoods League Championship. The title was the fourth for the Honkers, the most by any team in Northwoods League history.
“I have always felt that with the resources we have in Rochester, anything less than a championship will be considered a failure,” said Labbe. “I know there will be a high level of expectations from the city of Rochester and its fans, but none will be greater then the expectations I place on myself and my team.”
September 13, 2006
Northwoods League and ESPNU Announce Agreement
Rochester, MN – The Northwoods League and ESPNU have reached a two-year agreement, with a mutual option on a third year, to televise Northwoods League games nationally beginning 2007.
The first year of the agreement (2007) will feature three games, followed by six to seven games in 2008. Following the exercise of a mutual option in 2009, the ESPNU schedule will call for 10 to 11 games.
“This is a groundbreaking and unprecedented event for Summer Collegiate Baseball,” said Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr. “We are extremely excited to be partnering with the ESPN family on this venture.”
“We are thrilled to add this category of college sports programming to the ESPNU summer schedule,” said Burke Magnus, vice president and general manager, ESPNU. “The Northwoods League has an outstanding legacy and we are excited to join them in presenting their talent to college baseball fans throughout the country. This agreement further proves our commitment to serving college sports fans 24/7.”
The Northwoods League plays more games, draws more fans, and plays in better venues than any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The League recently completed its thirteenth season of play in August, and had 96 of its current players or alumni taken in last June’s Major League Amateur Draft.
September 12, 2006
Jukich To Start Championship Opener
(Rochester, MN)— Ben Jukich, a member of the 2005 and 2006 Rochester Honkers, will start the opening game of the Midwest League Championship Series tonight for the Kane County Cougars. Jukich will square off against West Michigan starter Burke Budanhop who finished the regular season with a 14-3 record.
Kane County received a playoff berth by virtue of the Western Division wildcard for the first half, finishing a game behind Division winner, Peoria. Jukich got the Cougars playoff run off to a great start in game one against the Swing of the Quad Cities pitching 7 2/3 strong innings, allowing no runs on four hits, walking two and striking out 8 to earn the win. Kane County defeated Quad Cities 2 games to 1 win the series and move on to the Division Championship where they swept the Beloit Snappers in 2 games to win the Western Division and advance to the Midwest League Championship.
Jukich made a brief stop in Rochester for the 2006 season prior to the Major League Baseball Draft where the Oakland Athletics selected him in the 13th round. He was then sent to the Vancouver Canadians, Oakland’s Class A Short-Season team. His stay there was short-lived however, as he made only 3 appearances recording 2 saves before a quick call-up.
From Vancouver Jukich was promoted to Class A Kane County of the Midwest League. Jukich made an immediate impact in Kane County, going 2.2 innings while allowing no runs in relief against Fort Wayne in his first appearance to earn the win. In his first start for the Cougars against Lansing he was sharp once again earning the win allowing 5 hits over 5 innings while striking out 8. Jukich finished the regular season for Kane County
As a Honker in 2005 Ben Jukich anchored a pitching staff that won a then franchise record 44 games. Jukich finished the season as the team leader in; wins with 6, games started, 12, complete games, 2, innings pitched, 79.2, and strikeouts with 68. Jukich made two appearances for the Honkers in 2006 going 0-1 with a 1.32 ERA while recording 14 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings of work.
August 18, 2006
Musselman turns hero for Honkers
By Donny Henn
The Post-Bulletin 8/19/2006
If the sum of a baseball player's season was his final hitting stats, then it didn't add up to a very memorable season for Bill Musselman.
A buck-eighty batting average wasn't exactly what the St. Louis University catcher intended to provide the Rochester Honkers in the 2006 Northwoods League season.
But if Musselman adds the experiences of playing with a terrific team and helping it win a league championship, it becomes unforgettable.
Musselman's no-doubt-about-it three-run homer in the second inning put the Honkers on course to a series-clinching 5-3 win over the Thunder Bay Border Cats on Friday night at Mayo Field.
"I didn't put up the numbers all season, so it's kind of ironic that I get two hits and drive in three runs in the championship game," said Musselman, who entered the playoffs with a .180 batting average and one home run in 34 games.
Musselman belted a 2-1 fastball from Thunder Bay starter Caleb Staudt well over the 350 sign in left-center with two outs in the second inning to give Rochester a 3-0 lead that it never relinquished.
"It felt good off the bat, but I'm really not a home run hitter, so I didn't know it was out until I actually saw it go out," said Musselman, who will be a senior at St. Louis University.
Musselman said he didn't get frustrated this summer despite his struggles to get hits.
"I hit a lot of balls hard, but right at people," he said. "I didn't come here to be the best player on the team; I came here to help win a championship. That's the most important thing."
Rochester went ahead 4-0 in the fifth inning on a lead-off homer to left by Chris Jones, the Cal State Fullerton slugger who finished with nine homers for the Honkers.
"I had kind of struggled at the plate lately, and I definitely felt like I needed to help the team tonight," said Jones. "I finally got a fastball that I could drive."
Rochester manager Greg Labbe exploited his big advantage in pitching depth throughout the playoffs, and especially against the pitching-thin Border Cats.
While Labbe was able to use five pitchers to nail down Friday night's win -- including starter Scott Eckard, who improved to 9-2 and closer Jake Toohey, who got his 26th save -- Thunder Bay was down to one arm.
Staudt, a tall right-hander from St. Mary's University, turned in a heroic performance for the Border Cats with over 130 pitches in a complete game.
Eckard, who was the Honkers' winningest pitcher this season, was in control until the fifth inning, when he allowed two runs on three hits and a wild pitch.
Mike Donohoe, Nick Mazzone and Randy Wild were all used in middle relief, and Toohey secured the win after an anxious bottom of the ninth. Thunder Bay put the tying run on base with a pair of one-out hits by Joey Lieberman and Drew Martin.
"I thought I made some good pitches, but they got a couple of hits and put some pressure on," Toohey said. "I had to bear down a bit and think about how I was going to get the next guys out."
Toohey got a strikeout and a ground-out to end the game and start the celebration, which began with a huge dog pile on Toohey near the pitchers' mound.
"It's just been an unbelievable experience," said Toohey, who set a league record with 24 saves in the regular season and two in the playoffs.
"The saves record was great individually, but this was totally a team championship. This was a great way to top it off."
August 17, 2006
Honkers Take Game #1 of NWL Championship Series!!
The Rochester Honkers defeated the Thunder Bay Border Cats 10-3 in Thunder Bay, Ontario this evening to take game one of this best of three NWL Championship Series.
Rochester broke a scoreless tie in the top of the 4th when Dan Lyons led off with a walk, stole second and was brought home courtesy of an RBI single from Eric Hoffmann. Thunder Bay tied the game in the bottom when a two-out RBI double brought in the Border Cats first run of the game.
The Cats took a 2-1 lead when in the bottom of the 6th with one out, bases loaded and the infielders drawn in, a hot shot was sent to second, which was bobbled and Thunder Bay scored the go ahead run.
Rochester rallied for 5 runs in the 7th to take the 6-2 lead. Dan Lyons delivered the knock out punch when he hit a 2 RBI double to highlight the inning. The Honkers then added 4 insurance runs in the 9th to give them the 10-2 lead. Thunder Bay scored a single run in the bottom but that was it as the Honkers took game #1 of the 2006 NWL Championship Series 10-3.
The two teams head back to Rochester for Game #2 on Friday night. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to Mayo Field.
August 15, 2006
Honkers Sweep Madison for South Division Title!!
The Rochester Honkers defeated the Madison Mallards 2-1 at Mayo Field, sweeping the series and advancing to the NWL Championship Series. Rochester will play the winner of tomorrow night's match up between the Duluth Huskies and the Thunder Bay Border Cats. That series is tied at 1.
Rochester gave Madison a little Deja vu when in the top of the first, Jason White led off with a loud home run to put the Honkers up 1-0 immediately. The two teams went scoreless into the bottom of the 5th when Rochester extended their lead to 2-0. Eric Hoffmann led off with a ground rule double an advanced to 3rd courtesy of a Kyle Bowley sacrifice. Then with two out, Kevin Drever took and outside pitched and lined it to left to score Hoffmann and give the Honkers the two run advantage.
Madison made a gallant effort in the top of the 7th to score, but could only manage one to cut the deficit to one. Randy Molina drew a one out walk and scored on a Tommy Lentz double to give the Mallards their only run of the game.
Ryan Bird started on the mound for Rochester and pitched the game of his Honker career going 7.0 innings, allowing only 1 run on 2 hits and striking out 5 to earn his first win of the post season. Overall, Bird has posted a 6-1 record on the 2006 season. Randy Wild was called upon to pitch the 8th and shut the Mallards down 1,2,3, before it was Toohey Time in the 9th. Jake Toohey struck out Mike Rhode, then Jordan Comadena hit a hot shot single down the 3rd base line to put a man on base with one out. Toohey then struck out Randy Molina and got Tommy Lentz to hit a lazy fly ball to left to secure the Honkers 2-1 win, and put them into the 2006 NWL Championship Series. This was Toohey's first save of the post season and 25th overall.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Jason White who went 2-4 with the lead off home run. Kevin Drever was 1-3 with an RBI and Eric Hoffmann went 1-3 with a run scored to highlight the Honkers evening.
Rochester will play the winner of the North Division beginning on Thursday night the return home on Friday for Game #2 of the NWL Championship Series. Game time is 7:05 pm. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to Mayo Field.
HONKERS ANNOUNCE AWARD WINNERS!!
In a pre game ceremony, the Rochester Honkers announced their award winners for the 2006 season. Jeff Engel was named the 2006 Most Inspirational Player, Jake Toohey was awarded the Pitcher of the Year honors and Chris Jones was name Honker of the Year. In addition, the Honorable Mayor of Rochester awarded the Mayor's award to Rochester native Dan Lyons who was given the Keys to the city and also had his number retired from the Rochester Honkers. This is the first time a number has been retired from the Honkers since their inaugural season of 1994!
August 14, 2006
Honkers Win Game #1 of South Division Playoff 7-1!
The Rochester Honkers defeated the Madison Mallards 7-1 this evening to take a 1-0 lead in the South Division Playoff Series. Game #2 will be in Rochester Tuesday night.
Rochester took the early 1-0 lead when in the top of the first, Dan Lyons hit a solo home run to left. The Honkers then exploded for 5 runs in the 5th to take a 6-0 lead. With 2 out and the bases loaded, Adam Cross hit an RBI single to score Dan Lyons. Eric Hoffman then came up and hit a 2 RBI single to give the Honkers the 4-0 lead. A wild pitch then scored Cross followed by an RBI double from Shea Harris as the Honkers took the 6-0 lead into the 6th.
The two teams traded single runs in the 6th as that was the last of the offense for the game, as Rochester earned the 7-1 victory.
Matt Reynolds started on the mound for Rochester going 7.0 innings, allowing only 1 run on 6 hits and striking out 2 to earn the victory. Adam Jorgenson pitched a scoreless 8th and Mike Donohoe closed out the 9th for the Honkers.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Dan Lyons who went 3-5 with 3 runs scored and a solo homer run. Adam Cross went 3-5 with an RBI, Chris Jones had a 2-3 night with and RBI and Efren Navarro, Jr. went 1-2 with a run scored and 2 RBI to round out the Honkers 11 hit evening.
Game #2 of the south Division Playoffs is Tuesday night in Rochester. GAme time is 7:05 pm. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to Mayo Field.
August 13, 2006
Honkers Finish Out 2006 Season 50-18
The Rochester Honkers finished out the 2006 Northwoods League season with a 50-18 record, setting a League record for wins in a season. In a rainy Sunday afternoon, the Brainerd Blue Thunder defeated the Honkers 4-1.
Brainerd took the early lead in the 2nd when Aaron Suess hit a solo home run to give the Thunder the lead. Brainerd then added another single run in the 3rd to go up 2-0. With the score 3-0 in favor of Brainerd, Rochester finally got on the board in the bottom of the 6th when Chris Jones hit an RBI single to score Kevin Drever. Brainerd added an insurance run in the 8th to go up 4-1 and went on to the victory and claim their 13th win of the second half.
Dave Sever started on the mound for Rochester, going 6.0 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and striking out 3. Sever was tagged for his first loss of the season, posting a 4-1 record. Nick Mazzone pitched a scoreless 7th followed by Eric Hoffmann who pitched the 8th, giving up an un earned run. Adam Jorgenson closed out the 9th, facing 4 batters and striking out 1.
Offensively the Honkers had 5 players with single hits. Kevin Drever scored the only run for Rochester, as he went 1-3.
SOUTH DIVISION PLAYOFFS!
The Honkers will travel to Madison, WI on Monday, August 14th for Game #1 of the South Division Playoffs and then return home on Tuesday for Game #2. Game #3 will be held in Rochester if necessary. All Game Times are 7:05 pm. Call the Honkers office for ticket, suite and patio information.
August 12, 2006
50!
The Rochester Honkers reached the 50 win plateau this evening when they defeated the Brainerd Blue Thunder 4-1 at Mayo Field. Rochester snaps their 3-game losing streak heading into the NWL South Division Playoffs.
Brainerd drew first blood in their half of the 3rd to take the early 1-0 lead. Rochester finally got on the board in the bottom of the 6th when with one out, Will Cherry drew a walk followed by a Jason White single. Dan Lyons then followed with a single to load the bases as Will Cherry then scored on an error by the left fielder. NWL MVP Efren Navarro, Jr. then doubled down the right field line to score White and Lyons as the Honkers took the 3-1 lead after 6.
Rochester added an insurance run in the 7th when with two out, Bill Musselman singled followed by a Will Cherry double to put Musselman on 3rd. Jason White then hit an RBI single to score Musselman and give the Honkers the 4-1 lead. The two team went scoreless through the 9th as the Honkers won their 50th game of the 2006 NWL season, and improve their record to 26-7 in the second half.
Scott Eckard started on the mound for Rochester going 7.0 innings, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits and striking out 4 to improve his record to 8-2 on the season. Randy Wild pitched a scoreless 8th and then it was Toohey Time in the 9th as Jake Toohey recorded his 24th save of the season. Toohey faced the minimum 3 batters and struck out two, including the last batter to give Rochester their milestone victory.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Efren Navarro, Jr who went 1-4 with the game winning 2 RBI double. Jason White went 2-4 with an RBI and run scored and Will Cherry added a 2-2 with a run scored night to round out the Honkers 11 hit evening.
The same two teams meet again tomorrow afternoon for the final game of the 2006 NWL season. Game time is 3:05 pm. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to Mayo Field.
SOUTH DIVISION PLAYOFFS!
The Honkers will travel to Madison, WI on Monday, August 14th for Game #1 of the South Division Playoffs and then return home on Tuesday for Game #2. Game #3 will be held in Rochester if necessary. All Game Times are 7:05 pm. Call the Honkers office for ticket, suite and patio information.
August 11, 2006
NWL Announces All-Star Team!
NORTHWOODS LEAGUE
August 11, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
HONKERS, HUSKIES PLACE FOUR PLAYERS ON NWL ALL-STAR TEAM
Rochester, MN– The Northwoods League on Friday announced its post-season All-Star team for the 2006 season. The team, which is voted on by League managers, coaches, and media, includes four players each from the Rochester Honkers and Duluth Huskies.
The Honkers, South Division Champions in both halves, were represented by second baseman Dan Lyons (Minnesota), the only player to repeat as an NWL All-Star from last season. Also named were All-Time single season saves leader Jake Toohey (Illinois), who has saved 23 games this season, and current NWL home run (8) leader Chris Jones (Cal State Fullerton). The other Honkers All-Star was left handed pitcher Matthew Reynolds (Austin Peay State), who sports a 5-1 record and a 1.62 ERA.
Duluth, winners of the North Division’s Second Half championship, had starting pitchers (and NWL co-leaders in wins with 9) Mike Nihsen (Nebraska) and Andy Marks (Kansas) named to the squad. Also, closer Daniel Edwards (Kansas State) and infielder Robby Price (Kansas) were selected from the Huskies.
In addition to the twenty-five All-Stars named, the NWL’s Most Valuable Player, Manager and Coach of the Year were also determined by a vote. Efren Navarro (UNLV) was named the Most Valuable Player for the 2006 season. Navarro batted .278 in 49 games while playing a stellar first base for the Honkers. The sophomore was also dominating on the mound, with a 5-0 record and a 1.17 ERA. The lefty has yielded just 6 earned runs on 35 hits in 46 innings for Rochester while notching 31 strikeouts.
Greg Labbe, second-year field manager for the Honkers, was selected as Manager of the Year. Labbe has led Rochester to a 49-16 record (.754), a new NWL record for wins in a season. Labbe has guided the Honkers to playoff appearances in both seasons as skipper. Steven Adams was named Coach of the Year after helping lead the Huskies to a North Division Second Half title and a berth in the upcoming NWL playoffs next week.
The Northwoods League is comprised of teams of the top college players from across North America. With twelve teams currently playing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Ontario, Canada, the Northwoods League provides the finest environment for the development of collegiate players.
2006 NORTHWOODS LEAGUE ALL-STAR TEAM |
|||
NAME |
POSITION |
UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE |
NWL TEAM |
| Mike Nihsen | RHP | University of Nebraska | Duluth |
| Jordan Zimmerman | RHP | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Pt | Eau Claire |
| Jake Toohey | RHP | University of Illinois | Rochester |
| Seth Gilleland | RHP | University of Northern Colorado | Brainerd |
| Aaron Jenkins | LHP | University of Northern Iowa | Waterloo |
| Andy Marks | LHP | University of Kansas | Duluth |
| Chad Dawson | RHP | Indiana State University | St. Cloud |
| Matthew Reynolds | LHP | Austin Peay State University | Rochester |
| Eryk McConnell | RHP | North Carolina State University | Madison |
| Tim Huber | LHP | University of Nebraska-Omaha | Eau Claire |
| Daniel Edwards | RHP | Kansas State University | Duluth |
| Steve Salas | RHP | Chandlker-Gilbert CC | Mankato |
| Charlie Cutler | C | University of California-Berkeley | St. Cloud |
| Jeff Lanning | C | University of Nebraska | Waterloo |
| Lucas Duda | 1B | University of Southern California | Alexandria |
| Dan Lyons | 2B | University of Minnesota | Rochester |
| Danny Worth | SS | Pepperdi8ne University | Alexandria |
| Robby Price | 3B | University of Kansas | Duluth |
| Erik Huber | X-INF | Eastern Illinois University | Brainerd |
| Tim Smith | OF | Arizona State University | Mankato |
| Andy Dirks | OF | Hutchinson CC | Brainerd |
| Gabe Marchant | OF | Howard CC | Thunder Bay |
| Mike Loberg | OF | Augustana College | St. Cloud |
| Chris Jones | OF | California State University-Fullerton | Rochester |
| Ted Pattock | DH | Long Beach State University | Eau Claire |
Most Valuable Player - |
|||
| Efren Navarro, Jr. | University of Nevada Las Vegas | Rochester | |
Manager of the Year - |
|||
| Greg Labbe | University of North Florida | Rochester | |
Coach of the Year - |
|||
| Steve Adams | Hutchinson CC | Duluth | |
August 11, 2006
Honkers Swept by Wisconsin, look to Re-Focus for Playoffs!
The Rochester Honkers were swept for only the second time all season as the Wisconsin Woodchucks won 13-5 to hand Rochester their 3rd loss in a row. This is the Honkers longest losing streak of the 2006 season.
Wisconsin scored early an often scoring a single run in the 2nd, 4 in the 3rd and an 8-spot in the 4th to take the 13-2 lead. Rochester rallied for 3 runs in the 7th but that was all the Honkers could manage as Wisconsin completed the two game sweep of the Honkers.
Efren Navarro, Jr. started on the mound for Rochester and was tagged for the loss. Tim Radmacher started the fourth in relief and only lasted one inning. Mike Donohoe pitched the next two scoreless innings, followed by Adam Jorgenson who pitched a scoreless 7th and Randy Wild a scoreless 8th to complete the Honkers pitching line.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Jason White who hit a two-run homer to put he Honkers up 2-1 after their half of the 3rd. Rochester's 3 run rally in the 7th was courtesy of a bases loaded 2 RBI double courtesy of Chris Jones.
Rochester returns home Saturday night for the final two game set of the 2006 NWL season as the Brainerd Blue Thunder roll into Mayo Field. Game time for Saturday is 7:05 pm and Sunday is 3:05 pm. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to Mayo Field.
August 10, 2006
Honkers Drop First Game In Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Woodchucks snapped a 12-game losing steak this evening when they defeated your Rochester Honkers 4-1 at Athletic Park in Wausau, WI. Rochester's quest for 50 wins goes on hold for the second consecutive night.
The Honkers scored in the top of the first to take the early 1-0 lead. Efren Navarro, Jr. brought in Eric Hoffmann as the Honkers scored immediately once again. The Chucks responded back with two of their own in the bottom to take the 2-1 lead. Wisconsin scored another 2 runs in their half of the 3rd to take the 4-1 margin. This was all the offense the two teams produced as the Woodchucks snapped their 12-game losing streak and handed Rochester only their 6th loss of the second half. Rochester's record is now 25-6 in the second half and 49-16 overall.
Ryan Bird took the loss for Rochester as his record drops from a perfect 5-0 to 5-1. Owen Reid earned his 4th win of the season for Wisconsin to improve his record to 4-3 on the season.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Eric Hoffmann who went 1-3 with a double and the only run scored. Efren Navarro, Jr went 1-4 with an RBI and Chris Jones had a 0-1 evening with 3 walks to highlight the Honkers offense
Rochester's quest for 50 continues tomorrow night when they take on the Woodchucks for the final meeting of the 2006 season. Game time is 6:35 pm. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to follow your Honkers.
August 9, 2006
49 and Holding!
The Rochester Honkers 11-game winning streak and quest for 50 wins was halted this evening as the Duluth Huskies defeated the Honkers 4-2 at Mayo Field. Rochester's record is 49-15 with 4 games left in the regular season.
Duluth scored two runs in the top of the 2nd off Honkers starting pitcher Matt Reynolds to take the early lead. Duluth only managed 1 hit and an error by the Honkers to aid them in the inning. The Huskies added another 2 in the 6th to take the 4-0 lead.
Rochester swung the momentum in the 8th when with one out and a man on first, Will Cherry hit a double to put two men in scoring position. Back to back walks gave the Honkers their first run of the game and load the bases. Jason White then hit an RBI single to left to make the score 4-2. Duluth then brought in Mike Pontius to stop the rally. Pontius had to face Dan Lyons who he got to hit into an inning ending double play and stop the Honkers rally. Rochester failed to score in the 9th as the Huskies won 4-2.
Matt Reynolds started on the mound for Rochester going 6.0 innings, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits and striking out 8. Tim Radmacher pitched a scoreless 7th and 8th and Eric Hoffman closed out the 9th for the Honkers. Offensively the Honkers were led by Adam Cross and Will Cherry who each collected two hits on the evening. Rochester had their chances this evening to score but failed to get the critical hit, leaving a total of 14 men on base this evening.
Rochester's quest for 50 continues tomorrow night when they travel to Wausau, Wisconsin for a two-game set versus the Chucks. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to follow your Honkers.
August 8 , 2006
Honkers Hush Huskies in Record Setting Win!
The Rochester Honkers set an NEW Northwoods League Record this evening when they defeated the Duluth Huskies 2-0 to win their 25th game of the second half. The previous record was 24 set by multiple teams including the Honkers.
Rochester drew first blood in the bottom of the 2nd to take the early 1-0 lead. Efren Navarro, Jr led off with a single and advanced to second when Adam Cross reached on an error. Jaime Pedroza then hit a ground ball to second which was misplayed, scoring Navarro as the Honkers took the 1-0 lead. Rochester added their second run of the game in the 5th when Will Cherry led off with a single and advanced to second on a fielders choice. Cherry then moved to 3rd courtesy of an error by the catcher. Dan Lyons then came to bat and executed a perfect suicide squeeze to score Cherry and put the Honkers up 2-0. The two teams then went scoreless through the 9th as Rochester won 2-0, setting an all time NWL Record for wins in a half with 25 and also their 49th win of the 2006 season.
Kyle Bowley started on the mound for Rochester going 6.0 shutout innings, allowing only 2 hits and fanning 1 to improve his record to 5-1 on the season. Nick Mazzone and Adam Jorgenson pitched the 7th and 8th before turning the ball over to Randy Wild who shut the Huskies down 1,2,3 in the 9th to record his 3rd save of the season.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Efren Navarro, Jr who went 2-4 with a run scored. Dan Lyons went 1-3 with an RBI and Will Cherry went 1-3 with a run scored to highlight the Honkers win.
Two other notable records were broken this evening. The Honkers set a NEW Single Season Attendance record when 1,377 fans passed through the turnstiles this evening to give them a season total of 44,616 fans! This breaks the old record set last year of 43,673. Dan Lyons also set a NEW Honkers Career Record for games played this evening participating in his 169 game of his Honker Career. He surpasses the previous Iron Man of Toby Gardenhire who held the record with a career mark of 168.
Rochester finishes the two game set with the Huskies tomorrow night before hitting the road for two games versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to Mayo Field tomorrow night.
August 7 , 2006
And The Magic Continues with a Wild Finish!
Jaime Pedroza's 1 out 3-run homer to right capped a 4 run 7th inning as the Honkers came from behind to defeat the Alexandria Beetles 5-2 at Mayo Field Monday night.
Rochester took the early 1-0 lead in the 3rd when Jason White led off with a single followed by a Adam Cross double to advance White to 3rd. Efren Navarro, Jr. then hit a sacrifice fly to center to score White. The two teams went scoreless until the top of the 7th when Alexandria took the 2-1 lead and change the momentum. Brett Kellam led off with a hit by pitch and advanced to 2nd on a fielders choice. With one out, Mike Flood hit a 2-run homer to put Alexandria up 2-1. This was Flood's first homer of the season.
Rochester then rallied for 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th to go ahead 5-2. Adam Cross led off with a single followed by a ground out by Navarro advancing Cross to second. Brett Featherston then hit a double scoring Cross and Featherston advanced to 3rd on the throw. Matt Fahey then drew a walk bringing Jaime Pedroza to the plate. With the count 2-1, Pedroza drove the next pitch down the right field line that cleared the fence for his first home run of the season and put the Honkers up 5-2. Randy Wild then came in to close out the 9th and shut the Beetles down 1,2,3 to record his 2nd save of the season and secure the Honkers 48th win of the season. Rochester improves to 24-4 in the second half and continues their 10-game winning steak.
Dave Sever started on the mound for Rochester pitching a solid 6.2 innings, allowing only 2 runs on 8 hits and striking out 1 before being relieved by Mike Donohoe. Donohoe went 1.1 innings giving up 1 hit and walking one, and was awarded the win.
Offensively the Honkers had 3 players with multiple hits. Jason White and Adam Cross both went 2-4 with a run scored, Shea Harris had a 2-3 night and Jaime Pedroza went 1-4 including the game winning 3-run homer in the 8th.
Rochester continues their 4-game home stand tomorrow night when the Duluth Huskies come into Mayo Field for a two-game set. This will be the battle of the divisional leaders as Duluth has posted a 23-5 record in the second half of the North Division. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to Mayo Field tomorrow night.
August 6 , 2006
47 and Counting!
The Rochester Honkers set an all time Wins record this afternoon when they defeated the Alexandria Beetles 5-4 at Mayo Field, recording the 47th win of the 2006 season.
Rochester once again scored in the bottom of the first when Jason White led off the inning with a single followed by a Dan Lyons single. White then scored on a Chris Jones ground out to take the early 1-0 lead. Rochester added two more runs in the 3rd to take the 3-0 lead. Dan Lyons and Chris Jones each hit doubles to highlight the inning.
Rochester extended their lead in the bottom of the 6th when birthday boy Chris Jones hit an opposite field solo home run to put the Honkers up 4-0. This was Jones' 8th home run of the season, tops in the Northwoods League.
Alexandria then rallied for 4 runs in the top of the 7th to tie the game. Tim Stewart did 3/4 of the damage by hitting a towering 3-run home run over the scoreboard. Rochester however came right back in the bottom of the 8th to score the go ahead run and eventually the game winner. Chris Jones reach on base courtesy of a throwing error by the third baseman and made it safely to second. With one out, Jones stole third base as Adam Cross stuck out for the second out. Kyle Bowley then hit a seeing eye pop fly that landed between the second baseman and right fielder bringing in Jones for the go ahead run.
It was then Toohey Time in the bottom as Jake Toohey closed out the 9th, striking out the last batter in dramatic fashion to secure the Honkers record setting 47th win. This was also Toohey's 23rd save of the season.
Scott Eckard started on the mound for Rochester going 7.0 innings, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and striking out 7. Eckard held Alexandria hitless through 6 innings before the Beetles posted a 4 spot on the board. Tim Radmacher came in and pitched a scoreless 8th before turning the ball over to Toohey.
Offensively the Honkers were led by 21st Birthday Boy Chris Jones who went 2-4 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. Dan Lyons went 2-4, Kyle Bowley went 2-3 with an RBI and Jason White went 1-3 with 2 runs scored to highlight the Honkers 7 hit afternoon.
Rochester continues their four-game home stand tomorrow night when they take on the Alexandria Beetles again for the final meeting of these two teams this year. Rochester is currently 2-1 versus the Beetles.
Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to Mayo Field tomorrow night.
August 5 , 2006
Honkers Sweep Loggers!
The Rochester Honkers tied a NWL Wins Record this evening when they defeated the La Crosse Loggers 1-0 to win their 46th game of the 2006 season. The Honkers also clinched the 2nd Half South Division Crown with victory.
Will Cherry hit a one out triple in the top of the 5th and scored on a Bill Musselman sacrifice fly to score the only run of the game as the Honkers went to win their 2nd consecutive game over the Loggers.
Ryan Bird started on the mound for Rochester and gave 8.0 solid innings of work. Bird scattered 4 hits and struck out 5 to improve his record to 5-0 on the season. Jake Toohey came in for the 9th and recorded his 22nd save of the season.
Offensively the Honkers collected 6 hits on the evening. Brett Featherston led the Honkers going 2-3, Will Cherry went 1-3 with a run scored and 3 other Honkers collected single hits.
Rochester returns home Sunday afternoon for the beginning of a four game home stand starting with a two game set versus the Alexandria Beetles followed by another two game set versus the North Division leaders, the Duluth Huskies.
Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to follow your Rochester Honkers.
August 4 , 2006
Honkers Beat Loggers!
The Rochester Honkers came one win closer to tying a NWL win record in wins this evening when they defeated the La Crosse Logger 5-2 in La Crosse, WI to win their 45th game of the season.
Rochester jumped out to the 2-0 lead scoring 2 runs in the 4th only to see the Loggers responded back with 2 in their half of the 5th to tie the game at 2. Rochester scored the go ahead run in the 6th to go up 3-2. Rochester added 2 more insurance runs in the 7th to take the 5-2 lead and went on to the 5-2 victory.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Dan Lyons who went 2-3 with 2 runs scored. Chris Jones went 2-5 with 2 RBI, Jeff Engel went 1-2 with an RBI and Efren Navarro went 1-4 with an RBi and a run scored to lead the Honkers 7 hit evening.
Matt Reynolds pitched a complete game for the Honkers earning his 4th victory of the season. This was the 2nd complete game pitched by the Honkers pitching staff all season.
Rochester finished their 3-game road trip tomorrow night when they take on the Loggers again. Game time is 7:05 pm. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to follow your Rochester Honkers.
August 3 , 2006
Toohey All-Time Saves Leader!!
Jake Toohey recorded his 21st save this afternoon, setting an all time NWL Saves Record as the Rochester Honkers defeated the Waterloo Bucks 4-3 in Waterloo, IA.
Toohey was called upon to close out the 9th inning as the Honkers had a 4-2 lead. Waterloo put the first runner on when a Jaime Pedroza bobbled a routine ground ball. Toohey then walked the next batter to put men on first and second. Waterloo sent the next batter to bunt and Toohey hit him with a pitch to load the bases with nobody out! Jake then got the next batter to hit into a double play allowing one run to score. So with a man on 3rd and two out, Honkers up by one, Toohey reached down and struck out Robert Matlock to secure the win and record his 21st save.
Rochester scored a single run in the first courtesy of an RBI single from Adam Cross. Waterloo responded back with a single run of their own to tie the game. Kevin in Drever then hit an 2 RBI single in the 3rd to highlight a 3 run inning for Rochester as they took the 4-1 lead. Waterloo added a single run in the 7th and then the run in the 9th to round out their 3 runs of the game.
Adam Jorgenson started on the mound for Rochester going 6.0 innings, allowing only 1 run on 5 hits striking out 2 and not walking a single batter to improve his record to 4-0 on the season. Mike Donohoe pitched the 7th giving up an unearned run and Randy Wild pitched a scoreless 8th before Toohey came in for a record setting 9th.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Kevin Drever who went 2-3 with 2 RBI. Adam Cross went 3-5 with an RBI, Kyle Bowley had a 2-5 afternoon and Matthew Fahey went 0-1 with 4 walks to round out the Honkers 10 hit afternoon.
With the win, Rochester ties a franchise record of 44 wins set by the 2005 Rochester Honkers, led by Greg Labbe. The other record set was Jake Toohey's 21st save which surpasses the old record of 20 set by Shawn Williams (2005-Thunder Bay).
Rochester continues their 3-game road trip tomorrow night when they travel to La Crosse, WI for an important two game set with the Loggers. Game time is 7:05 pm for both days. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to follow your Rochester Honkers.
August 2 , 2006
White Walks Off with Win over Waterloo!
Jason White hit a 3 run home run in the bottom of the 9th with two out and the Honkers down 3-1 to give the Honkers the 4-3 dramatic win and their 3rd Walk Off Win of the season.
What was a pitching duel between the two teams ended in dramatic fashion. The two teams went scoreless through six innings until Waterloo broke the 0-0 tie in the 7th. With two outs and a man on third, Jeff Whitlow hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Mike Brown from third and Waterloo took the 1-0 lead. Rochester responded back in the bottom of the 7th with a single run of their own. Adam Cross grounded out and Will Cherry scored from 3rd to tie the game at 1.
With one out and no one on the Bucks started their second rally of the game when Bryan Resnick singled up the middle. After a single by Ryan Hastings, David Sever was replaced by Tim Radmacher. Radmacher walked the first hitter he faced (Mike Brown) and then got Robert Matlock to hit a ground ball to shortstop Dan Lyons in what looked like an inning ending double play, but the throw from Kevin Drever got away from first baseman Efren Navarro and two runs scored on the play. Matlock was later gunned out by Bill Mussleman to end the top half of the inning.
Rochester and Waterloo both went scoreless their next chances, which brought Rochester up down 3-1 in the bottom half of the ninth inning and set the table for another heroic night from a Honker. With one out Will Cherry got things started with a single through the left side of the infield off of Buck's reliever Joe Balbas. Next hitter, Kevin Drever lined a single to left center giving Rochester two base runners with one out. Bill Musselman struck out on a 2-2 curveball, which then brought Jason White to the plate with two outs. White wasted little time taking the first pitch he saw and driving it over the fence just to the right of the scoreboard. The homerun was White's second on the season.
David Sever went 7.1 strong innings for Rochester giving up only 3 hits, 3 runs, 1 of which was earned. Waterloo starter Aaron Jenkins was just as impressive going 7.0 innings giving up 5 hits, 1 earned run, and striking out 7 Honkers. Relief pitcher Tim Radmacher got the win for the Honkers going 1.2 innings giving up no hits and no runs. Joe Balbas got the loss for Waterloo working .2 innings giving up 3 runs on 3 hits in the ninth.
Jason White lead the Honkers offensively going 3-5 with a run and 3 RBI's. Kevin Drever and Will Cherry both added two hits a piece while Cherry scored two runs and Drever scored once. Jeff Engel and Chris Jones both added singles to round out the Honker attack.
The Honkers play an afternoon game against the Waterloo Bucks tomorrow in Waterloo, IA. Game time is 1:05 p.m. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to follow your Rochester Honkers.
July 31, 2006
Honkers Win Ugly one in Wisconsin.
The Rochester Honkers came out on top of an ugly win this evening defeating the Wisconsin Woodchucks 11-10 in 12 innings at Athletic Park in Wausau, WI.
Rochester blew a 6-0 lead letting the Chucks score 7 runs in the 5 inning to take the 7-6 lead. Rochester scored a single run in the 7th and 3 more in the 8th to take the 10-7 advantage. Wisconsin however would not roll over and scored a single run in the 8th and 2 more in the 9th to send the marathon game into extra innings. Rochester finally scored in the top of the 12th when Chris Jones drew a bases loaded walk to give the Honkers the 11-10 lead. Wisconsin put men in scoring position but failed to score as Rochester won their 4th game in a row on this 4-game road trip and sweep the Woodchucks 2 games to 0.
The Honkers are off Tuesday before retuning to action Wednesday night at Mayo Field for a game against the Waterloo Bucks. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to follow your Rochester Honkers.
July 30, 2006
Honkers Chuck more wood than Woodchucks, Toohey records 20th Save!
The Rochester Honkers defeated the Wisconsin Woodchucks this afternoon 4-3 as Jake Toohey recorded his 20th save of the season, tying a Northwoods League record!
Toohey came in relief of Ryan Bird with two out in the bottom of the 8th with a man on 3rd and stopped the Wisconsin rally and send the game into the 9th. Wisconsin managed to get a man on 3rd with two out in the bottom of the 9th but Jake got the batter to fly out easily to center field and secure the Honkers 4-3 win and record his 20th save.
Rochester scored a single run in the 2nd when Adam Cross hit a solo homerun to give the Honkers the 1-0 lead. Wisconsin rallied for 2 runs in their half of the 4th off Honkers starting pitcher Ryan Bird. Wisconsin managed to score both runs without even getting a hit out of the infield. Bird recorded 3 strikeouts in the inning to stop the Woodchucks rally.
The Honkers responded back with 2 runs of their own in the 5th when Eric Hoffmann hit a 2-out 2 RBI single to drive in Matthew Fahey and Jaime Pedroza as the Honkers took the 3-2 lead. This was Hoffmann's 11 & 12th RBI of the season. Rochester added an insurance run in the 8th when Hoffmann led off with a double and eventually scored with two out when Brett Featherston hit an RBI single to score Hoffmann. Wisconsin did rally for a single run in the bottom of the 8th but Toohey shut the door on the Chucks and kept it closed in the 9th for the 4-3 victory.
Ryan Bird started on the mound for Rochester going 7.2 innings allowing only 3 runs, 2 of which were earned, on 7 hits, 3 walks and striking out a season high 10 batters to improve his record to 4-0 on the season. Rochester is now 17-4 in the second half and 41-14 overall.
The Honkers finish their 4-game road trip tomorrow night when they take on the Woodchucks again. Game time is 6:35 p.m. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to follow your Rochester Honkers.
July 29, 2006
Honkers Win Battle of the Birds, Sweep Mallards!
The Rochester Honkers defeated the Madison Mallards this evening 8-3 in Madison, WI and sweep the two-game set. This is the last time the Honkers will see the Mallards in the regular season and win the season series 6-2.
The Honkers again scored in the first inning to take the early 1-0 lead. Kyle Bowley hit an RBI single to score Chris Jones as the Honkers took the 1-0 lead into the 4th. Rochester added another single run in their half of the 4th when Kyle Bowley scored on a throwing error with two out as the Honkers went up 2-0. Madison got on the board in the bottom of the 5th scoring a single run with two out and cut the lead in half.
Rochester responded back with 2 in the top of the 6th to take the 4-1 advantage. Brett Featherston and Eric Hoffmann both hit RBI singles to highlight the inning. Madison however would not let go and scored in the bottom of the 6th to make the score 4-2. Rochester put the game out of reach scoring 4 unearned runs in the 9th. Chris Jones hit an RBI single and Bowley added a 2 RBI single as the Honkers went on to the 8-3 win and sweep of the Mallards.
Matt Reynolds started on the mound for Rochester going 6.0 innings, allowing 1 earned run on 9 hits, striking out 1 and walking 3 to improve his record to 4-0 on the season. Reynolds was tested immediately by the Mallards in the first inning when they had bases loaded with nobody out and failed to score. Mike Donohoe pitched a scoreless 7th and Randy Wild finished out the game earning his first save of the season.
Chris Jones led the Honkers 8 hit evening going 2-3 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI. Kyle Bowley added 3 more RBI to his league leading total and Brett Featherston went 1-4 with an RBI.
Rochester travels to Wausau, WI tomorrow afternoon for the beginning of a two game set with the Woodchucks, game time is 5:05pm. The Honkers are currently 4-0 versus the Chucks this season and will play them 4 more times, all in Wausau.
Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to follow your Rochester Honkers.
July 28, 2006
Honkers Win Battle of the Adam's in Madison!
Adam Jorgenson pitched 7.0 stellar innings for the Rochester Honkers this evening, as they defeated the Madison Mallards 3-1 in front of 6,571 fans in Madison. Jorgenson went 7.0 innings, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits, walking 0 and striking out 1 to improve his record to 3-0 on the year. Madison sent Adam Mills to the mound as the Honkers tagged Mills with 8 hits and 3 runs. Mills record drops to 3-3.
Rochester scored again in the first inning when Jason White led off with a single and stole second base. Jeff Engel then hit an RBI single to score White as the Honkers took the early 1-0 lead. Madison tied the game in the bottom of the 4th as the two teams then went scoreless till the 7th inning.
Rochester scored 2 runs in their half of 7th when with one out, Dan Lyons hit a 2-RBI single to score Kevin Drever and Jason White. That was all the offense needed as the Honkers went on to the 3-1 victory and improve their record to 15-4 in the second half.
Jorgenson pitched a gem for Rochester and the bullpen did it's job also. Randy Wild came in relief of Jorgenson pitching a 1,2,3 8th inning before turning the ball over to Jake Toohey. Toohey also pitched a 1,2,3 inning including striking out the 3rd batter to secure the Honkers win and record his league best 19th save.
The Honkers continue their 4 game road trip tomorrow night when the play the same Madison Mallards. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to follow your Rochester Honkers.
July 27, 2006
Bucks Horn Honkers!
The Rochester Honkers were defeated by the Waterloo Bucks 11-3 this and fall to 14-4 in the second half.
The Bucks hit 3 home runs this evening off 3 Honker pitchers to aid in their 11 hit victory. Rochester finally got on the board in the 7th inning when Eric Hoffmann hit an RBI single to score Will Cherry. Down 11-1 in the 9th, Bill Musselman hit a two-run home run to give the Honkers their 2nd and 3rd run but that was all the offense the Honkers could produce in the 11-3 loss.
Kyle Bowley took the loss for Rochester, giving him his first loss of the season. Bowley started on the mound and went 6.0 innings, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits and striking out 3 as his record is now 3-1 on the season. Tim Radmacher pitched the 7th and 8th giving up 3 runs on 2 hits and striking out 2. Adam Cross finished out the 9th in the loss. This was the most runs the Honkers have given up in any loss this year and also tied for the largest margin of loss with 8 runs.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Will Cherry who went 2-3 with 2 runs scored. Bill Musselman went 1-3 with 2 RBI and Eric Hoffmann and Dan Lyons each had two hits in the 9 hit loss.
The Honkers hit the road tomorrow for a four game road trip to Wisconsin that will take the to Madison for a two game set versus the Mallards and then a two game set versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks in Wausua. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to follow your Rochester Honkers.
July 26, 2006
Honkers Fill their Buck Tag in Waterloo, Win 7-4
The Rochester Honkers defeated the Waterloo Bucks this evening 7-4 in Waterloo, IA and improved their record to 14-3 in the second half.
Rochester got out of the gates early scoring 2 runs in the first only to see Waterloo respond back with a single run in the bottom. The Honkers then added a single run in the 4th and 2 more in the 6th to take the 5-1 lead. Waterloo rallied for another single run in their half of the 6th to make the score 5-2. Rochester added insurance runs in the 7th and 8th to take the 7-2 lead into the bottom of the 9th. The Bucks put together a rally for two runs in the bottom but that was it as the Honkers snapped the Bucks two-game winning streak with the 7-4 victory.
Scott Eckard started on the mound for Rochester earning his 7th win of the season. Offensively the Honkers were led by Adam Cross who went 3-4 with 2 doubles, 2 stolen bases, scored 2 runs and had 2 RBI's. Matthew Fahey had a 2-2 night with 3 walks and 2 runs scored, Jaime Pedroza went 3-4 and Kevin Drever went 0-2 with 2 walks and 2 RBI's.
Rochester returns home tomorrow night when the Waterloo Bucks mosey back into Mayo Field for a 7:05pm first pitch. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to the ballpark.
July 25, 2006
Honkers Lose Heartbreaker to Madison in Extra Innings
The Rochester Honkers went into extra innings this evening and came up on the short end, losing to the Madison Mallards 2-1 in front of 2,144 fans.
The two teams were in a pitching duel when Madison drew first blood in their half of the 7th scoring the game's first run. Rochester then responded in the bottom of the 7th to tie the game at 1. Jeff Engel led off with a single and advanced to second on a bunt from Dan Lyons. A wild pitch put Engel on 3rd and then scored when Eric Hoffmann hit a ground ball to the right side in which the first baseman had an errant throw attempting to turn a double play.
Both teams went scoreless into the 12th. Madison put men on first and third with nobody out. Jake Toohey then came in relief and got the first batter he faced to pop up a bunt that was caught by Brett Featherston at first. Toohey then struck out the next batter for the first out. Toohey then walked the next batter as the bases were loaded with one out. A wild pitch by Jake then went over the catcher's glove gave Madison the go ahead run as the next batter then popped up. Rochester got a lead off single in the bottom of the 12th by Jeff Engel and then advanced to 2nd on a bunt from Dan Lyons but that was it as Madison won game 2 of this two game set and split the series.
Ryan Bird started on the mound for Rochester going 7.0 innings, allowing 1 run on 7 hits and fanning 4 for the no decision. Mike Donohoe pitched the next 2.0 innings followed by Randy Wild who pitched the 10th and 11th. Wild was tagged for the loss as he gave up the go ahead run.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Jeff Engel who went 2-5 and scored the Honkers only run. Brett Featherston was the only other Honker to collect a hit as Rochester could only bang out 3 hits in the loss.
Rochester travels to Waterloo tomorrow for an away-home series with the Waterloo Bucks. Game times are 7:05 p.m. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to the ballpark.
July 24, 2006
Honkers Win Game 1 of Fowl Series, Beat Mallards 2-1!
The Rochester Honkers behind a strong pitching performance from Efren Navarro, Jr. and Jake Toohey, shot down the Madison Mallards this evening 2-1 extending their lead to 4.0 games over the Mallards in the second half.
Rochester once again scored in the first inning to take the early 2-0 lead. Jason White led off the game with a stand up double and was brought in by an RBI single courtesy of Dan Lyons. Lyons moved up to second when Jeff Engel was hit by a pitch. Chris Jones then hit a single to load the bases for Brett Featherston who hit a sacrifice fly to score Dan Lyons.
Madison cut the deficit to one when in their half of the second when with one out, Randy Molina scored on an throwing error by Honkers center fielder, Will Cherry. That was all the offense for the remainder of the game as the Honkers went on to the 2-1 victory, improving their record to 13-2 in the second half and 37-12 overall.
Efren Navarro, Jr. started on the mound for Rochester going 6.0 strong innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits and striking out 2 to improve his record to 5-0 on the season. Randy Wild pitched the 7th allowing only 1 hit and Eric Hoffman and Jake Toohey closed out the 8th and 9th. Toohey faced the minimum 3 batters striking out 1 to earn his league leading 17th save of the season.
Offensively, the Honkers were led by Jason White who went 2-4 with a run scored. Chris Jones went 2-4, Dan Lyons was 1-3 with a run scored and RBI and Brett Featherston had an RBI to round out the Honkers 5 hit evening.
Rochester finishes their 5-game home stand tomorrow night for the second game versus the Madison Mallards. Game time is 7:05. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to the ballpark.
July 23, 2006
Two Out Homeruns Win Ball Games and Grand Slams Don't Hurt Either!
It may sound cliche' but it's true, two out hits do win ball games. Just ask your Rochester Honkers as they defeated the Waterloo Bucks this afternoon 6-3.
With two out in the bottom of the first, the Rochester Honkers put together back to back singles and a walk to load the bases for Kyle Bowley who then crushed a monstrous home run over the left field wall for his first Grand Slam of the season to put the Rochester Honkers up 4-0. Chris Jones then added a solo shot of his own when he led off the bottom of the third with his league leading 7th home run of the year to put Rochester up 5-0
Rochester added another single run in the 4th when with two out Jason White hit a single and stole second base. Kevin Drever then hit an RBI single to score White and give the Honkers the 6-0 advantage. Waterloo scored single runs in the 4th, 7th and 9th but that was it as the Honkers went on to the 6-3 victory and split the two game set at Mayo Field.
Chris Jones continues his terror on NWL pitching going 2-3 with 2 runs scored and a solo home run. Bowley's Grand Slam in the first put him back in the NWL RBI lead as he now has 34 RBI's on the season.
Dave Sever started on the mound for Rochester and pitched a typical Sever outing going 6.0 innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits and striking out 3 to improve his record to 4-0 on the season. Tim Radmacher pitched the 7th and 8th and Eric Hoffmann closed out the 9th for Rochester.
The Honkers continue their 5-game home stand tomorrow night when the Madison Mallards come to Mayo Field for a two-game set. Game times are 7:05. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com if you can't make it out to the ballpark.
July 22, 2006
Honkers Lose Heartbreaker at Mayo Field.
The Rochester Honkers lost a heartbreaker this evening at Mayo Field, falling to the Waterloo Bucks 4-2 in front of 2,196 fans.
Waterloo scored a single run in the top of the 3rd to take the early 1-0 lead. Rochester tied the game at 1 in the bottom of the 6th when Bill Musselman led off with a solo home run to tie the game. Waterloo then scored 3 runs in the 8th off Honkers reliever Nick Mazzone to take the 4-1 lead.
Rochester then rallied in the bottom of the 9th in what felt like a come from behind victory. Rochester loaded the bases with one out and scored their second run of the game courtesy of a Matt Fahey walk to score Adam Cross. NWL Home Run Leader Chris Jones was then called upon to pinch hit. Jones then hit a deep fly ball to left center in what appeared to be a catch and the runners tagged and advanced. The fielder looked like he dropped the ball after the catch causing confusion. The ruling was made and Rochester lost the game 4-2 in a heartbreaker off a loss.
Rochester continues their home stand tomorrow afternoon with a 3:05pm first pitch against the same Waterloo Bucks. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to keep up with your favorite team.
July 21, 2006
Jake Toohey to the Resue............AGAIN!
Jake Toohey slammed the door shut on the Express' rally in the 8th inning to secure the Honkers 3-2 win and claim their 11th win of the second half.
Rochester entered the 8th inning with a 3-2 lead when the Express rallied to put men on second and third with nobody out. Honkers' Field Manager Greg Labbe then went to his bullpen and called upon Jake Toohey to slam the door shut on the Express. Toohey struck out the first batter he faced and then got the next batter to ground out to second, where Kevin Drever checked the runner at third and got the second out at first base. The runner from second took off to third forcing the runner at third to go home where Jaime Pedroza threw a strike to catcher Shea Harris who applied the tag for the third out of the inning. Toohey then closed out the 9th with a runner at third base and two outs where he got Tyler Cataldo to hit a week fly ball to Jeff Engel in left to end the game and secure the Honkers 3-2 victory. This was Toohey's 16th save of the season breaking the All-Time Rochester Honkers Franchise record of 15 saves in a season.
Rochester scored a single run in the first when Jeff Engel hit an RBI single to score Eric Hoffmann who led off the game with a double. This was Rochester's fourth consecutive game where they scored in the first inning. Rochester then took the 2-0 lead in the 3rd when with one out, Dan Lyons hit a double followed by an RBI double from Jeff Engel to score Lyons. Dan Lyons then forced in the final run for Rochester in the 4th when with the bases loaded he was hit by a pitch.
Eau Claire rallied for two runs in the 7th off Honkers starting pitcher Adam Jorgenson but that was all the offense they could must as Rochester went on to the 3-2 win and their 4th consecutive victory.
Jorgenson started on the mound for Rochester pitching 7.0 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and striking out 8 to improve his record to 2-0 on the season. Mike Donohoe started the 8th before being relieved by Toohey with nobody out and runners on second and third.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Jeff Engel who went 2-4 with 2 RBI's and Dan Lyons who went 1-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Rochester improves their record to 35-11 overall and 11-1 in the second half, holding a 3.0 game lead over the Madison Mallards.
Rochester continues their 5 game home stand tomorrow night when the Waterloo Bucks mosey into Mayo Field for a two game set. Join Jake Poepl on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to keep up with your favorite team.
July 20, 2006
Chris Jones Takes a Ride on the Express!
Chris Jones was a triple away from hitting for the cycle against the Eau Claire Express this evening as the Honkers went on to the 9-4 win in Eau Claire.
Rochester scored two runs in the first and 3 more in the 2nd to take the early 5-0 lead. The Express rallied for 3 runs in their half of the 2nd off Honkers' starting pitcher Scott Eckard to cut into the Honkers lead. Chris Jones hit a 2-run homerun in the 6th to give the Honkers the 7-3 advantage. This was Jones' 6th homer of the season which now ties for a NWL best.
Eau Claire scored a single run in the 7th only to see the Honkers score another 2 insurance runs in the 8th as the Honkers went on to the 9-4 victory, improving their record to 10-1 in the second half and 34-11 overall. Rochester is now 6-1 on the season versus Eau Claire and will play their final game against the Express tomorrow night at Mayo Field in Rochester, MN.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Chris Jones who went 3-5 with 5 RBI and 3 runs scored. Jones was only a triple away from hitting for the cycle this evening. Jason White went 1-3 with 3 runs scored, Jeff Engel had an 0-2 night but scored 2 runs and was on base 3 times, Jaime Pedroza and Kevin Drever both added two hits each for Rochester as the team banged out 11 hits against the Express. Scott Eckard started on the mound for Rochester earning his team high 6th win of the season.
The Honkers will next be at home Friday July 21 for a 7:05 game to finish the series with the Express. Join Jake Poepl every night on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to keep up with your favorite team.
July 19, 2006
Honkers Shutout La Crosse....................Again!
Ryan Bird and the Rochester Honkers completed the two-game sweep of the La Crosse Loggers this evening by shutting them out 3-0. This was the second consecutive shutout of the Loggers, and fourth in the last 5 games. Bird went 8 innings to earn the win while allowing 6 hits and striking out 6. Jake Toohey pitched a perfect 9th inning striking out the side to tie the Honkers team record for saves in a season with 15.
Efren Navarro Jr. proved to be a one man wrecking crew for the Loggers as he got the Honkers on the board in the first inning with a one out single to score Jason White who led off the first with a double. Navarro Jr. picked up two hits to go with his RBI all coming the day after pitching a complete game shut out. The Honkers would push two more runs across in the 5th inning courtesy of a sacrifice fly off the bat of Dan Lyons scoring both Will Cherry and Jason White.
The Honkers travel will be in action tomorrow as they travel to Eau Claire to take on the Express with the first pitch coming at 7:05 pm. The Honkers will next be at home Friday July 21 for a 7:05 game to finish the series with the Express. Join Jake Poepl every night on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com to keep up with your favorite team.
July 18, 2006
Honkers Put a Dozen On La Crosse!
The Rochester Honkers behind a strong pitching performance from Efren Navarro, Jr. shutout the La Crosse Logger 12-0 at Mayo Field Tuesday afternoon.
Rochester scored 5 runs on 4 hits in the first inning and never looked back as they improved their record to 8-1 in the second half and 32-11 overall.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Adam Cross who went 4-5 with and RBI and 2 runs scored. Jason White, Bill Mussleman and Jeff Engel all contributed two hits each as Rochester banged out 15 hits on the afternoon. Chris Jones also added a solo homer this afternoon when he hit his team high 5th long ball, a lead off solo shot in the 4th inning.
Efren Navarro, Jr. pitched a gem for Rochester improving his record to 4-0 on the season. Navarro went the distance scattering 6 hits and striking out 5 and facing 34 total batters, 7 over the minimum.
Rochester finishes this two-game set with the Loggers tomorrow night with a first pitch of 7:05 pm. All the action can be heard on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com.
July 17, 2006
Madison Snaps Honkers 9-game winning streak.
The Rochester Honkers 9-game winning streak was snapped this evening as the Madison Mallards defeated Rochester 5-4 in Madison, WI. The Honkers win streak started on July 5th ironically with a win over the Madison Mallards and ends with the Mallards. Rochester's record falls to 7-1 in the second half and 31-11 overall.
Rochester took an early 1-0 lead when in the first inning, Adam Cross hit an RBI double to score Eric Hoffmann. The Honkers scored again in the second as Jeff Engel scored when Kevin Drever hit a slow ground ball to second with bases loaded. Madison rallied for two runs in the bottom to tie the game at 2. The Mallards then took the 3-2 lead scoring a single run in the 6th. Rochester then tied the game at 3 in the 7th when Will Cherry scored on an error by Madison. The Mallards retook the lead scoring 2 runs in the 8th.
The Honkers magic almost happened again in the 9th when with Matthew Fahey on first, Chris Jones was called upon to pinch hit. Jones immediately took the first pitch he saw and drove it to deep left field in what looked like a possible 2 run homer to tie the game. The ball came up 2 feet short bouncing off the wall and giving Jones an RBI double and cut the deficit to one. That was all the Honkers could muster as the Mallards went on to the 5-4 victory, handing the Honkers their first loss of the 2nd half.
Rochester returns home Tuesday afternoon when the La Crosse Loggers roll into Mayo Field for a 1:05pm first pitch. All the action can be heard on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com.
July 16, 2006
Honkers Fly Past Mallards in the 13th Inning!
It took 13 innings but the Rochester Honkers defeated the Madison Mallards 1-0 at Warner Park in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Honkers broke the scoreless tie in the 13th against Madison reliever Mike Creevy. Matt Fahey led off with a singled and moved to second on a groundout by Jeff Engel. Jason White then hit a single to center field that drew a throw to the plate as Fahey was running hard home. The throw reached at nearly the same time as Fahey, but the catcher was unable to hang on to the ball, giving Rochester the 1-0 lead.
Madison threatened to tie the score in the bottom of the 13th when they led off the inning with a triple off reliever Jake Toohey. Toohey then struck out the next 3 batters to secure the 1-0 dramatic win for Rochester. This was Toohey's 14 save of the season and Rochester's 9th consecutive win!
Matt Reynolds started on the mound for Rochester going 9.0 scoreless innings, scattering only 4 hits and striking out 3 before Zach Herr came in relief. Herr went 3.0 innings, giving up 2 hits and walking 2 and was awarded the win as his record improves to 2-0 on the season.
Eric Hoffmann led the Honkers 6 hit evening going 2-4. Jason White went 1-1 with the game winning RBI and Matthew Fahey went 1-4.
Rochester finishes the two-game set with the Mallards Monday night before returning home on Tuesday for a 1:05pm day game. All the action can be heard on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com.
July 15, 2006
Express Wreck in Rochester, Honkers Win 1-0!
The Rochester Honkers won their 8th consecutive game this evening and move to 6-0 in the second half courtesy of a 1-0 win over the Eau Claire Express in Rochester.
Dave Sever pitched a gem going 7 2/3 scoreless innings, but was matched inning for inning by Eau Claire starting pitcher Jordan Zimmerman. Nick Mazzone came in to finish the 8th inning and also threw a scoreless 9th. Brett Featherston lead off the 9th inning with a walk. Adam Cross was then called on to pinch run. Eric Hoffmann's 2 strike sacrifice moved Cross to 2nd for Jamie Pedroza. Pedroza then rapped a ground ball to short which was bobbled and subsequently thrown away. Eric Hoffman moved up to third on the ground ball and Field Manager Greg Labbe waved him in to score the winning, and only run of the game.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Hoffmann who went 2-3. 4 other Honkers collected single hits to round out the 6 hit evening. Mazzone was awarded the win for his 1.2 innings of scoreless relief. His record improves to 2-1 on the season.
Rochester travels to Madison tomorrow to take on the Mallards in a two game set. Game time is 6:05 pm and all the action can be heard on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com.
July 14, 2006
Honkers Use Long Ball to Derail Express in Eau Claire!
The Rochester Honkers used the long ball this evening to defeat the Eau Claire Express 7-3 in Eau Claire.
With the game tied at 3 going into the 8th inning, Adam Cross hit a solo home run to give the Honkers the 4-3 lead. Then in the 9th, Chris Jones hit his 4th homer of the season, a two-run shot to highlight a 3-run 9th for the Honkers as Rochester went on to the 7-3 victory, posting a 5-0 mark in the 2nd half.
Rochester scored a single run in the first to take the early 1-0 lead. Eau Claire tied the game at 1 in the bottom of the 3rd only to see Rochester reclaimed the lead in the 5th scoring a single run to take the 2-1 margin. The Express rallied for 2 runs in the 6th to take the 3-2 lead but Dan Lyons hit an RBI double in the 7th to score Will Cherry to tie the game at 3. Adam Cross then hit a solo bomb in the 8th to give the Honkers the 4-3 lead. Rochester added 3 insurance runs in the 9th, highlighted by a Chris Jones 2-run bomb as the Honkers went on to the 7-3 victory and their 7th consecutive win.
Offensively the Honkers were led by Dan Lyons who went 4-5. Kevin Drever went 2-5, Chris Jones went 2-5 with his 4th homer of the season, Adam Cross went 1-4 with a homer and Will Cherry stole 2 bases and scored 2 runs to highlight the Honkers victory.
Kyle Bowley started on the mound for Rochester but was relieved by Scott Eckard in the 6th who was awarded the win. Eric Hoffmann and Zach Herr pitched scoreless 8th and 9th innings to round out the 5 hit pitching performance of the Honkers.
Rochester returns home Saturday night when the Express roll into Mayo Field. Game time is 7:05 pm and all the action can be heard on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com.
July 12-13, 2006
North wins NWL All Star in 11 innings
By JOEL BADZINSKI | La Crosse Tribune
It seems Duluth Huskies middle infielders who play for Missouri have a lock on the Northwoods League All-Star MVP award.
Duluth’s Brock Bond drove in the game-winning run in the top of the 11th inning Wednesday night as the North Division beat the South Division 3-2 in front of 3,413 people at Copeland Park — the second-largest All-Star crowd in the game’s 12-year history.
Bond, a second baseman, went 2-for-4 and started two of the North’s three double plays. Duluth shortstop Gary Arndt, Bond’s teammate at Missouri, was the 2005 All-Star MVP.
“I knew what Gary did last year and I thought coming into the game how cool it would be,” Bond said.
Bond went 0-for-2 with a walk before hitting a single in the ninth inning. Joey Lieberman (Thunder Bay) hit a one-out double in the 11th to bring up Bond, who hit a blooper to left field off Rochester closer Jake Toohey to make it 3-2.
“Luckily, I got up in the right situation and I came through,” Bond said. “(Toohey) threw me a slider and I got inside of it and it fell in over the third baseman’s head.”
As the game extended into the 11th inning, there was concern that the game would end the same way as the 2002 Major League All-Star game — tied.
But Loggers Director of Ballpark Operations Ben Kapanke said league officials had decided to continue indefinitely by allowing players to re-enter the game.
La Crosse’s Ben Barrone was an early candidate for MVP with two singles and a run scored in his first three at-bats. He finished 2-for-5.
Loggers catcher Adam Fleener went 0-for-2 and pitcher Rodney Brantley, a two-time Texas Collegiate League all-star, worked the third inning, allowing an unearned run on three errors with two strikeouts.
“In a game like this, everybody’s a three, four or five hitter for their team, so I tried to treat every batter like it was the middle of the lineup,” Brantley said. “I enjoyed the challenge and to be able to go out in a setting like this made it even better.”
Barrone led off the second inning with a single off Brad Hutt (Brainerd), sparking a two-run rally. Robert Matlock (Waterloo) and Jeff Engel (Rochester) delivered RBI singles.
The North scored a run against Brantley when the South made the three errors, then tied it in the sixth on Joey Lieberman’s (Thunder Bay) two-out bloop single.
Joel Badzinski can be reached at (608) 791-8402 or joel.badzinski@lee.net
Jones' Derby Power Shines
By JOEL BADZINSKI | La Crosse Tribune
Chris Jones says he’s not a true power hitter.
He will have a hard time convincing people of that after this summer.
Jones, the Rochester Honkers’ designated hitter, won Tuesday’s Northwoods League All-Star Home Run Derby at Copeland Park, beating out Alexandria’s Derek VanBuskirk and Thunder Bay’s Joey Lieberman in the final round.
“I’m more of a line-drive guy, gap-to-gap,” said Jones, who hit two homers in the championship round. “But a few homers came today; I just got the barrel of the bat on the ball.”
The La Crosse Loggers and Wisconsin Woodchucks would argue that Jones is nothing if not a big-time slugger.
Jones, a sophomore from NCAA Division I power Cal State-Fullerton, beat the Loggers with a walk-off grand slam July 3 at Mayo Field. Monday night, his three-run shot in the ninth inning ended Rochester’s game against Wisconsin.
“I don’t know what the deal is,” Jones said.
Honkers manager Greg Labbe has an idea.
“He’s got ridiculous power,” said Labbe, who pitched to Jones for the home run derby.
Jones, who represented Rochester Tuesday night although he was not voted onto the South Division All-Star team, entered the break batting .277 with three homers and 13 RBI in 16 games.
But it’s been an injury-riddled spring and summer for Jones, who missed the second half of Cal State-Fullerton’s season because of a back injury — he wasn’t able to join the Titans for their run to the College World Series — and has been battling sore hamstrings lately.
“It was definitely tough not to be able to play this spring,” Jones said. “When we were in the World Series, (Rochester) had games on the same nights, so I was calling people, having people tape games, trying to find out what happened. It’s hard not having any control and you want to be there.”
Before his back injury, Jones was starting in Cal State-Fullerton’s outfield. He’s aware that with the Titans’ talent-laden roster, he’ll have to fight hard for his old job this fall.
“This summer, I want to get better as a player both physically and mentally,” Jones said. “This is kind of my spring training for next college season. I know that no matter who you are or what you’ve done, in our program you have to perform. My college coaches keep tabs on us and they know how we’re doing.”
La Crosse Loggers representative Ben Barrone, who leads the NWL with six homers, failed to advance out of the first round of the derby. He was one of seven players who didn’t go deep.
“It might be a little more nerve-wracking hitting at home,” Barrone said. “People come to see you and you don’t want to let them down. But it was just fun to be out here.”
July 10, 2006
Walk On, WALK OFF!
For the second time this season, Chris Jones hit a walk off homerun to ensure a win for the Rochester Honkers. This time it was a 3-Run BOMB at the expense of the Wisconsin Woodchucks as the Honkers won 7-4 and take their 4-0 mark into the All-Star Break.
Rochester scored 3 runs in the bottom of the first to take what seemed to be a commanding lead. 2 errors by Wisconsin and 2 key hits aided the Honkers scoring drive. Wisconsin scored a single run in the 4th and then another 3 in the 6th to take the 4-3 lead. Rochester rallied in their half of the 6th when Shea Harris hit an RBI single to drive in Eric Hoffmann and tie the game at 4.
The two teams went scoreless into the 9th when a feeling of deja vu came over Mayo Field. Dan Lyons drew a one out walk followed by a wild pitch to put him in scoring position. Two-time NWL All-Star Efren Navarro, Jr. stepped up to the plate and the Woodchucks pitched around Navvaro and eventually walked him. Then it happened, Chris Jones walked up to the plate and commandingly drove the first pitch he saw well over the left field fence to claim the 7-4 Honker victory and complete the two game sweep of the Woodchucks! This was Jones' second walk off homer of the season, his 3rd homerun of the year and now has 12 RBI's.
Nick Mazzone got a spot start for the Honkers going 3.0 shutout innings, scattering 6 hits and striking out 4. Time Radmacher then added 2 innings followed by Brett Robinson who lasted 0.2 innings before Randy Wild was called in for relief. Wild went 2.1 innings allowing 3 hits and striking out 3 and was awarded the win. Kyle Bowley pitched a scoreless 9th for Rochester giving them a chance for victory.
Offensively, the Honkers were led by Efren Navarro, Jr who went 2-3 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Jones went 1-5 with 4 RBI and Eric Hoffman had a 2-4 night to round out the Honkers 8 hit evening.
Rochester breaks for the NWL All-Star game tomorrow in which Chris Jones will be the Honkers entry into the Homerun Hitting Contest that takes place at 6:00pm. The All-Star game will then be held on Wednesday starting at 7:05 pm. Rochester will return to action on Friday, July 14th when they travel to Eau Claire to take o the Express. Game time is 7:05 pm and all the action can be heard on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com.
July 9, 2006
Toohey Foils Woodchucks Comeback!
Jake Toohey took matters into his own hands this afternoon and foiled a Wisconsin Woodchuck 9th inning comeback. With two out and men on 1st and 3rd, Toohey came in relief. He struck out the first batter he faced to get the 2nd out. With both men in scoring position, Rochester intentionally loaded the bases. Jake then took the Woodchuck batter to a full count and got him to fly out to right and secure the 7-6 Rochester victory. This was Toohey's 13 save of the season.
Rochester started the game with single runs in the first and second to take the 2-0 lead. Wisconsin cut the lead in half in the 4th when Dan Descalso hit a solo homer to get Wisconsin on the board. Rochester rallied in the bottom of the 4th to score two more to take the 4-1 lead. Kyle Bowley hit a 2 RBI single to give Rochester the 3 run lead.
Wisconsin would not let go and preceded to hit back to back solo home runs in the 6th off reliever Mike Donohoe to make the score 4-3 in favor of Rochester. The Honkers however returned the favor by scoring 3 runs of their own in the 7th. RBI doubles from Jaime Pedroza and Will Cherry aided the Honkers 3 run inning. Wisconsin rallied again with a single run in the 8th and 2 more in the 9th before Jake Toohey slammed the door on the Chuck comeback.
Newest Honker, Adam Jorgenson started on the mound for Rochester and went 5.0 innings, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits and striking out 7 to earn his first victory of season. Mike Donohoe came in relief going 1.1 innings before handing the ball over to Zach Herr. Herr went 2.0 innings but allowed 3 runs on 4 hits and was replaced by Toohey who came in with 1 outs in the 9th. Toohey slammed the door shut on Wisconsin as the Honkers move to 3-0 in the second half.
The Honkers will finish the two-game set with Wisconsin Monday night with a first pitch at 7:05pm. The Honkers will then have 3 days off for the NWL All-Star game and then return to action on Friday, July 14th when they travel to Eau Claire in hopes to derail the Express. Game time is 7:05 pm and all the action can be heard on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com.
July 8, 2006
Honkers Fill Their Buck Tag in Waterloo To Go 2-0 in 2nd Half!
The Rochester Honkers completed the two game sweep of the Waterloo Bucks in Waterloo to go 2-0 in the 2nd half of the Northwoods League season. This was the 5th consecutive win over Waterloo.
Rochester got on the board in the first scoring a single run to take the early 1-0 lead. Waterloo then scored an unearned run in the 4th to tie the game at 1. The Bucks then took the 2-1 lead scoring a single run in the 6th. Rochester rallied for 2 runs in the 7th to reclaim the lead. Will Cherry hit an RBI single to score Jaime Pedroza to give Rochester the lead and eventually the win.
Efren Navarro, Jr started on the mound for Rochester earning his 3rd win of the season. Eric Hoffmann pitched a 1,2,3 7th and two batters in the 8th before being relieved by Jake Toohey. Toohey got a 2 out ground out to end the inning. He then shut down the Bucks in order in the 9th including fanning the last two batters to earn his league best 12th save of the season.
Rochester returns home Sunday afternoon for a 3:05 pm afternoon game when the Wisconsin Woodchucks invade Mayo Field for a two game set. All the action can be heard on Sportsradio 1520 The Ticket or by logging on to www.rochesterhonkers.com.
July 7, 2006
Honkers Place 6 On South Division All Stars!!
The Rochester Honkers placed 6 players on the South Division All Star Team for the 2006 NWL All Star Game. The All Star Game will be held on Wednesday, July 12, in La Crosse, WI. Efren Navarro, Jr (1B) and Dan Lyons (2B) are two-time NWL All-Stars. They will be joined by Kyle Bowley (3B), Jeff Engel OF), Scott Eckard (RHP)and Jake Toohey (RHP).
The following is the NWL Release:
Rochester, MN – The Northwoods League announced results for the 2006 All-Star Game, to be played Wednesday, July 12 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
The host South Division All-Stars will take on their North Division counterparts at Copeland Park, home to the NWL’s La Crosse Loggers. Amongst a myriad of events taking place during the two-day extravaganza, the All-Star Game takes center stage on Wednesday with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
The 2006 First Half Champion Rochester Honkers and Thunder Bay Border Cats each placed 6 players on the South and North Division teams, respectively. The Honkers, who raced away with the South Division 1st Half title with a record of 24-10, had two players named to the All-Star team for the second straight year: first baseman Efren Navarro, Jr. (UNLV) and second baseman Dan Lyons (Minnesota). With current NWL RBI leader and third baseman Kyle Bowley (USC – Upstate) also being named to the team, the Honkers will make up three quarters of the infield for the South squad next week.
Thunder Bay, the reigning NWL champions, had three of its outfielders named to the North Division team. Ben Petsch (Belmont), Gabe Marchant (Howard CC) and Marcus Jones (NC State) will all be in La Crosse to represent the Border Cats. Another Border Cat, pitcher Matt Howard (Georgia College & State University), was named to the team after Alexandria Beetles pitcher Drew Saberhagen (Pepperdine) was sidelined due to injury. Saberhagen is the son of former 2-time Cy Young winner and Kansas City Royals star Bret Saberhagen.
This year’s All-Stars were chosen in a vote by the 12-member teams of the Northwoods League. Ballots were cast by each team’s field staff, radio and/or media contact.
The Northwoods League is comprised of teams of the top college players from across North America. With twelve teams currently playing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Ontario, Canada, the Northwoods League provides the finest environment for the development of collegiate players.
South Divisoin All-Stars
| Name | Position | Year | NWL Team | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Zimmerman | RHP | So | Eau Claire | Wisc. Stevens Pt |
| Jake Toohey | RHP | Jr | Rochester | Illinois |
| Mike Creevy | RHP | Jr | Madison | Xavier |
| Tim Huber | LHP | So | Eau Claire | Omaha-Nebraska |
| Nick Fellman | RHP | So | Eau Claire | MSU Mankato |
| Aaron Jenkins | LHP | So | Waterloo | Northern Iowa |
| Jeff Richard | RHP | Fr | Waterloo | Central Michigan |
| Ryan Ashner | RHP | Jr | Wisconsin | Belmont (TN) |
| Rodney Brantley | RHP | Jr | La Crosse | Dallas Baptist |
| Scott Eckard | LHP | So | Rochester | USC Upstate |
| Brian Smith | RHP | So | Madison | Northen Illinois |
| Jon Bjelland | LHP | Jr | Eau Claire | MSU Mankato |
| Adam Fleener | C | JR | La Crosse | Cal State Northridge |
| Jeff Lanning | C | FR | Waterloo | Nebraska |
| Efren Navarro, Jr | 1B | So | Rochester | UNLV |
| Dan Lyons | 2B | Jr | Rocheter | Minnesota |
| Ryan Bond | SS | Jr | Madison | Indiana State |
| Kyle Bowley | 3B | So | Rochester | USC Upstate |
| Chris Bonnell | X-Inf | Jr | Wisconsin | UNLV |
| Robert Matlock | OF | Jr | Waterloo | Freed-Hardmen |
| Jeff Engel | OF | JR | Rochester | Iowa |
| Ted Pattock | OF | So | Eau Claire | Long Beach State |
| Jordan Comadean | OF | So | Madison | Purdue |
| Bobby Hubbard | OF | So | Madison | North Carolina St. |
| Ben Barrone | DH | JR | La Crosse | Winona State |
North Divison All-Stars
| Name | Position | Year | NWL Team | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chad Dawson | RHP | So | St. Cloud | Indiana State |
| Mike Nihsen | RHP | Fr | Duluth | Nebraska |
| Brad Hutt | RHP | So | Brainerd | Kansas State |
| *Drew Saberhagen | LHP | Fr | Alexandria | Peperdine |
| Steve Salas | RHP | So | Mankato | Chandler Gilbert CC |
| Seth Gilleland | RHP | Jr | Brainderd | Northern Colorado |
| Johnny Lowe | RHP | So | Mankato | Pt. Loma Nazerene |
| Dain Secott | RHP | Jr | Mankato | MSU Mankato |
| Daniel Edwards | RHP | Jr | Duluth | Kansas State |
| Matt Chambless | RHP | Jr | Alexandria | West Alabama |
| Alex Rollin | RHP | So | Alexandria | Cal Berkeley |
| Brad Simmons | RHP | So | Thunder Bay | American River CC |
| Matt Howard | RHP | Jr | Thunder Bay | Georgia College St |
| Charlie Cutler | C | FR | St. Cloud | Cal Berkeley |
| Spencer ingaldson | C | Jr | Duluth | Purdue |
| Joey Lieberman | 1B | Jr | Thunder Bay | Memphis |
| Brock Bond | 2B | So | Duluth | Missouri |
| Caleb Curry | SS | So | Alexandria | MSCTC-Fergus Falls |
| Erik Huber | 3B | Jr | Brainerd | Eastern Illinois |
| Robby Price | X-INF | Fr | Duluth | Kansas |
| Tim Smith | OF | So | Mankato | ASU |
| Ben Petsch | OF | Jr | Thunder Bay | Belmont (TN) |
| Gabe Marchant | OF | So | Thunder Bay | Howard CC |
| Alex Kubal | OF | Fr | St. Cloud | Concordia-St. Paul |
| Marcus Jones | OF | Fr | Thunder Bay | NC State |