LOVES PARK, Ill.-The Rockford University baseball team returned to action Saturday to take on Augustana College at Rivets Stadium. The Regents were competing in their first game in two weeks when they concluded their spring trip in Fort Myers, Fla. Rockford struggled offensively throughout the day, falling in both games by the finals of 9-2 and 12-3.
In game one the Regents were led on the mound by David Camacho (Elk Grove, Ill.) who threw 6 strong innings allowing 4 runs, all earned, scattering 7 hits, and striking out 3 batters. Camacho began the game giving up two runs immediately in the top of the first inning. After the quick opening inning for the Vikings, Camacho settled down and only gave up two runs on five hits over the next five innings. Cleaning up the final three innings was Joseph Valdez (Tucson, Ariz.).
Offensively Rockford was unable to muster any scoring opportunities until the bottom of the sixth inning when Evan Frantini (Coal City, Ill.) hit a leadoff double to left-center field. After a groundout, Austin Smith (Peru, Ill.) hit an RBI double to right-center field driving in Frantini. Following up Smith, was Andrew Hunt (Apple Valley, Calif.). Hunt hit another RBI double to left field bringing in Smith. Unfortunately, Rockford could not provide any more scoring in the final three innings, falling by the final of 9-2. The Regents struggled offensively striking out 15 times in the game.
In game two Rockford was led on the mound by Adam O'Malley (Elk Grove, Ill.).After giving up one run in the first inning he really focused in and threw very well lasting 6 innings, allowing 3 hits, 4 runs, 2 of which were earned. O'Malley did a great job of keeping the high-powered Augustana hitters off-balance throughout his performance. After giving up a run on two hits in the first inning he only allowed one earned run on one hit in his final five frames. Following up O'Malley was Thomas Goodyear (Romeoville, Ill.) who threw well in his two innings of work allowing 4 runs, 1 earned, on 2 hits, and striking out 3 batters. Finishing out the final inning was Nathan Mulzer (Neenah, Wis.).
Offensively, the Regents opened the second game scoring immediately in their first opportunity at the plate as Cole Logemann(Lena, Ill.) hit a one-out single to right field and then stole second base to move into scoring position. After a fly out, Ryan Scarpetta( Rockton, Ill.)followed him up with an infield single to the pitcher who overthrew the first basemen to allow Logemann to score on the play. Scarpetta advanced to third on the throwing error but the Regents were unable to drive him in. Again in the second inning Rockford scored another run as Britton Seivert (Rockford, Ill.) walked and then stole second to move into scoring position. After a strikeout, Devin Standard (Stillman Valley, Ill.) hit an RBI single up the middle to drive in Seivert. Rockford squandered an opportunity in the fourth inning when Seivert reached third base on a fielding error by the left fielder with nobody out. Unfortunately, the Regents followed it up with a pop out and two strikeouts to come up empty in the inning. The next scoring opportunity did not come until the final inning when Logemann hit an RBI single to drive in Robert Smith (Bartlett, Ill.). Ultimately, Rockford struggled again offensively striking out 13 times in the game. The Regents fell by the final of 12-3.
Offensively Rockford was led by Logemann who went 3-for-9 with an RBI single and a run scored. Austin Smith went 2-for-4 with an RBI double and a run scored. Andrew Hunt had an RBI double and a run scored. Ryan Scarpetta recorded two hits. Robert Smith reached base in six of his nine at-bats, with five walks and one hit by pitch.
The Rockford University baseball team returns to action Tuesday, March 29 against Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Ill. with a scheduled start time of 3 p.m.
