ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Thunder Bay Border Cats were no more successful on the road than they were at home to open the 2019 Northwoods League season.
The Cats pounded out 11 hits on Friday night, but only crossed the plate once, falling 3-1 at the hands of the Rochester Honkers, their fourth loss in four days to open their 17th campaign.
Brennan Scmidt singled home Aaron Simmons in the sixth inning to break a scoreless tie and later scored as the host Honkers took a 2-0 lead into the seventh off Thunder Bay’s fourth pitcher of the night, reliever Austin Eggleston, who was tagged with the loss.
Tim Borden II added to the Rochester lead in the eighth, scoring on a wild pitch.
Thunder Bay’s lone run came in the ninth, No. 9 hitter Bryce Jorgenson doubling in Karsten Vasquez. Jorgenson moved to third on a wild pitch by closer Logan Nissen, but was stranded when Nate Soriano struck out swinging.
Reliever Keon Taylor, who took over in the sixth rom starter Daniel Silva, earned the win. Eggleston, who gave up two runs on four hits over two innings, took the loss. Thunder Bay's pitchers gave up just seven hits, walking four.
Thunder Bay (0-4) will be seeking their first win on Saturday night against Mankato, the start of a six-game home-stand. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35 p.m., with fireworks to follow.
