Honkers Drop Series Opener to Willmar

Rochester, MN (rochesterhonkers.com) – A fast Willmar start helped the Stingers beat the Rochester Honkers 8-3 at Mayo Field Saturday night.

The Stingers scored three runs in the first, and two runs in the second, to push them in front of the Honkers. With Willmar leading 2-0, Brandon Perez (Southern California) hit an RBI single to make the score 3-0.

The Honkers came back with a run of their own in the bottom of the first, when Bryce Marquardt (Bethel University) scored on a wild pitch, making the score 3-1.

Greg Lambert hit a two-run home run in the second inning, and then Kole Cottam (Kentucky) added a sacrifice fly in the top of the fourth to give the Stingers a 6-1 lead.

The Stingers added two more runs in the top of the fifth, and then the Honkers added two of their own in the bottom of the sixth. Troy Traxler (Minnesota) walked in a run, then Keaton Weisz (Auburn) hit in a fielder’s choice to drive in a run, making the score 8-3.

David Worrell (0-1) (Corpus Christi) got the start for the Honkers and the loss; he pitched four innings, allowed four runs on five hits, walked three and struck out four. The Honkers then used five other pitchers too close out the game.

Ty Tice (2-1) (Central Arkansas) got the start for the Stingers and the win; he pitched five innings, allowed three runs on six hits, walked two and struck out six.

Christopher Scalisi (Redlands) went 2 for 3 to lead the Honkers offense, while Danny Pardo (Montevallo) went 3 for 4 with a run scored and one RBI and walked twice to lead the Stingers offense.

The Honkers are home again Sunday for Wells Fargo Day! It is also I Bike/Walk Rochester presented by Olmsted County Public Health. Park and walk the trail from the 4th Street parking lot (Farmer’s Market lot) and walk to the field to receive your free general admission ticket! Bikers should bike to the game on the river trail and park their bike at the stadium to receive their free ticket! Only one ticket per person and offer is good while supplies last!