The La Crosse Loggers faced a heartbreaking loss in a dramatic extra-innings battle against the Rochester Honkers on August 8, 2025, at Copeland Park. With 2,459 fans in attendance, the game was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the resilience and determination of both teams. For the Loggers, this game marked their second-to-last match of the regular season before advancing to the playoffs.
A Strong Start by the Rochester Honkers
The Rochester Honkers wasted no time setting the pace of the game. In the top of the first inning, Teran singled, allowing Cantu to score and giving the Honkers an early 1-0 lead. By the fourth inning, Rochester had expanded their lead to 4-0, thanks to a home run by Miles Ghossein, a Cantu double, and a groundout RBI by Van Coughlin. It appeared as though the Loggers were in for a challenging night.
The Loggers’ Comeback Efforts
Despite a rocky start, the Loggers showcased their fighting spirit in the fifth inning. Griffin Olson broke Rochester pitcher Klebba’s perfect game bid with a double and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Kanon Sundgren. Eli Small also contributed to the rally, while Kelsen Johnson delivered a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning, tying the game at 4-4. The crowd at Copeland Park erupted with excitement as the Loggers clawed their way back into contention.
Extra Innings Drama
With the game tied at 4-4 after nine innings, the battle moved into extra innings. In the top of the 10th, Rochester capitalized on their opportunities. Cantu started at second base under the extra-innings rule and scored on a two-out RBI double by Connor Kaiser. Shortly thereafter, Kaiser crossed home plate thanks to a single by Coshenet, giving the Honkers a 6-4 lead. The Loggers managed to reduce the deficit when Kelsen Johnson scored on an infield single by Sundgren, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. Rochester emerged victorious with a final score of 6-5.
Looking Ahead
While the loss was undoubtedly disappointing, the Loggers remain optimistic as they prepare for their final regular-season game against the Honkers. Following that, they will face the Duluth Huskies in the first round of the playoffs. As reported by Northwoods League, the team is determined to carry the lessons learned from this game into the postseason, where every moment counts.
The thrilling match between the Loggers and the Honkers was a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2025 season.