Honkers drop second of two-game series to MoonDogs

The Rochester Honkers faced off against the Mankato MoonDogs Monday night, losing by a final of 8-3.

The MoonDogs got on the board first this time, with 2 runs coming in with one out on the board. The first base runner of the inning was erased trying to go first to third from a spectacular throw from Alex Schultz in right field. The MoonDogs then got another base hit and runs came in after an  and 2 hit batsmen. Mankato then scored 3 in the 4th, capped off by a 2-run homer by Derek Umphres.

LJ Brewster led off the bottom of the inning with a double to center, followed by an error that allowed Ryan Boldt to reach. With 2 men on base, the bats quieted down for Rochester.

LJ Brewster put the Honkers on the board in the 6th with a solo homer, his 3rd hit of the game. The homer was the lone run Mankato starting pitcher Taylor Elman gave up in his 7 innings of work, scattering 5 hits in his start.

The Honkers then greeted the relievers by scoring on an RBI triple by Ryan Boldt in the 8th and loading the bases in the 9th, but the rally fell short. With the loss, the Honkers fall to 8-6 on the year. Rochester out-hit the MoonDogs 9-7 in the ballgame, but Honkers pitchers allowed 12 batters to reach via walk or hit by pitch while Mankato pitchers allowed no runners via walk or hit batter.

Rochester will look to snap the losing streak Tuesday night in Battle Creek. Lefty Matt Kent is scheduled to take the mound against the Bombers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. The Honkers will return home Saturday to face Alexandria at 7:05 p.m.