Honkers Lose 3-0 Due to 3-Run Ninth

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- In game one of a two-city double header, the Honkers got a phenomenal start from Alex Fagalde, but a bullpen blow up in the ninth cost the Honkers in a 4-0 loss to the Mankato MoonDogs.

The game was scoreless through eight innings as both teams got great starts, from Fagalde as previously mentioned, and MoonDogs starter Kody Rock.

The two match zeroes inning after inning, as Fagalde went 7.1 innings allowing only three hits, walking two, but striking out a season high 11 MoonDogs. On the other side, Rock went six innings, giving up three hits, walking only one, while striking out six.

The game came down to the bullpens. The Honkers brought in Lance Berringer who got out of a jam in the eighth but in the ninth he gave up four runs.

After retiring the first batter of the inning, Berringer gave up a single to Jake Shepski, then walked Jordan Washam, then a Bryce Adams single loaded the bases. David Metzger came in to pinch-hit for Eric Peterson and he came up huge for the MoonDogs, knocking a two-run single to break the scoreless tie. Following him, a walk by Brett Newberg, Jake Roberts drove in the third run of the inning, then the fourth was scored on Albaro Rubulcaba's walk to make the score 4-0.

On the other side, Kevin Yarabinac pitched three scoreless innings, including getting out of a jam in the eighth and brought his team a 4-0 victory.

The MoonDogs and Honkers play again tonight at 7:05, in Mankato.