Honkers Pummeled by Express

(Rochester, Minn.) – The Rochester Honkers fell to the Eau Claire Express 13-3 in Eau Claire Friday night.

A bases-clearing triple from Daulton Varsho (UW-Milwaukee) in the third inning, helped push the Express past the Honkers. The Express got their first run in the second, and then followed up with four runs in the third to take a 5-0 lead.

The Express got two more runs in the fourth, and then scored another run in the fifth on a Daniel Herrera (New Mexico Junior College) fielder’s choice in the fifth.

The Honkers got on the board with a solo shot from Alex Fitchett (Hawaii), making the score 8-1. The Express came back with a solo home run from Jared Mang (New Mexico). Adam McKenna (Cal Poly) hit a two-RBI double to push the Express lead to 12-1.

The Express added another run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly from Ripken Reyes (California). In the ninth, the Honkers got a two-RBI double from Casey Worden (UC Riverside), making the score 13-3.

Jackson Douglas (0-2) (Iowa Western CC) got the start and loss for the Honkers; he pitched five innings, allowed nine runs, seven of them earned, on six hits, walked three and struck out two. Bayley Chesterton (Riverside CC) pitched two innings in relief, allowed four runs on five hits, walked one and struck out one.

Caleb Boushley (4-1) (UW-La Crosse) got the win and the start for the Express; he pitched seven innings, allowed one run on four hits and struck out seven. Johnathon Tripp pitched in relief for the Express; he pitched two innings, allowed two runs on two hits and walked one.

Worden went 2 for 4 with two RBI to pace the Honkers’ offense, while Fitchett went 1 for 4 with a RBI and a run scored.

Sam Hurt (Kent State) went 4 for 4 with two runs scored to lead the Express, while Varsho went 1 for 2 with two runs scored, three RBI and walked twice.

The Honkers are back at Mayo Field Saturday night to battle the Duluth Huskies on Fireworks Extravaganza night presented by Olmsted Medical Center.