Rochester scored eight runs, highlighted by a Reid Roper grand slam home run, to beat Duluth 8-5 in the last meeting of the season between the two teams.

The Honkers sent Will Bamesberger to the hill and defense helped him tremendously through the first three. Bamesberger faced the minimum nine batters through three innings with three double plays turned behind him.

Rochester's offense got three base runners with two out in the second inning but left the bases loaded. In the third inning, Ryan Boldt came in on a wild pitch to start the inning. Another run scored on a Casey Fletcher single to make it 2-0.

The Honkers got the bases loaded again, and Roper unloaded for a grand slam to make it 6-0 Honkers. Roper went 1-3 with 4 RBI and was robbed of another homer in the sixth inning. Duluth starter Dylan Barrow lasted just 2.1 innings and gave up six runs on four hits and six walks. Honkers batters proved patient in a six-run third, as they took three walks on full counts and four walks altogether in the inning.

Pitching and defense kept Duluth off the board early
Pitching and defense kept Duluth off the board early
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Bamesberger went out for the fourth inning and walked lead-off man Trent Chatterton for the second time in the game. A stab at a ball off the bat of Austin Christensen prevented Bamesberger from perhaps getting a fourth double play turned behind him. Michael Tinsley drove Chatterton in with a double and a ground out by Nolan Johnson cut the lead to 6-2. Bamesberger gave up one more run in the sixth and over the six innings gave up three runs on five hits and four walks, with three double plays helping him to avoid any further damage.

The Honkers got it going again in the fifth. Jon Schuknecht doubled for the second time in the game and was thrown out at home trying to score on a ground ball hit to first base. With two outs, Ryan Boldt delivered his second hit of the game to drive in Jack Goihl, who had reached base with his third walk of the game. Jordan Smith then scored on a wild pitch to give the Honkers the six run advantage once again.

The final run on Bamesberger would make it 8-3 and then it was time for the bullpen. Ryne Roper and Brandon Stennis combined to complete the seventh inning with no runs allowed. In the eighth inning, though, Stennis retired just one batter and a pair of singles and a pair of passed balls scored two runs, one unearned, to make it 8-5. The Honkers went to the bullpen once again for Jeff Campbell. He had no problem picking up his third save and the Rochester losing streak was snapped.

The Honkers will host the Alexandria Blue Anchors Thursday night. Matt Kent is scheduled to start for the Honkers, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.

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