Mankato Mashes Honkers 12-2

Rochester, MN (rochesterhonkers.com) – The Rochester Honkers fell to the Mankato MoonDogs 12-2 Thursday night at Mayo Field in Northwoods League action.

A two-run home run from Jake Shepski (Notre Dame) in the first inning and a grand slam from Marcus Pingleton (Heartland CC) in the top of the second gave the MoonDogs a 7-0 lead early in the game.

The Honkers couldn’t solve Mankato’s starting pitcher, Ricky Digrugilliers (1-0) (Western Illinois), as the sophomore went six innings, gave up three hits, no runs and struck out five.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Honkers got a two-run single from Alex Fitchett (Hawaii) that scored Bryce Marquardt (Bethel University) and Christopher Scalisi (Redlands).

Jackson Rose (0-1) (Barton County CC) got the start for the Honkers, but the MoonDogs got to him early. He picked up the loss going four innings, gave up eight hits and five earned runs.

With the loss, the Honkers record now sits at 0-3 and the MoonDogs improve to 3-0. The Honkers play in Mankato tonight to finish the series with the MoonDogs. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. at Franklin Rogers Park.

The Honkers next home game is Sunday, June 5 at 1:05 against the Lacrosse Loggers.