FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Rockford University baseball team opened its season with a tough 17-5 loss to Alvernia University. The Regents concluded the contest on top in the hits column, but a number of miscues and walks allowed the Wolves to control the base paths, earning 12 runs but scoring 17 total to seal the win.
Joseph Stagowski had a solid day at the plate however; he went 4-for-5 hitting with a pair of doubles and two RBIs to support the Rockford offense.
- Alvernia wasted no time getting on the board in the top of the first. Getting the bases loaded with no outs, three runs crossed home plate before the end of the inning, giving the wolves a 3-0 lead.
- A quick bottom half of the inning brought Alvernia back up for more. Four more Wolves runs scored with zero outs off of three hits, a walk, and an error to extend the lead up to 7-0
- It wasn't until the top of the fourth inning that either side got any momentum going. With two runners on base, Alvernia capitalized on a fielding error and brought both of them home to stretch the lead to 9-0 in the Wolves' favor.
- The Regents broke the shutout in the bottom of the inning. RU worked the bases loaded and despite grounding into a double play, Jared Herzog managed to score from third and give Rockford its first run of the game and the season.
- RU needed to start clawing back into the contest. The Regents got that opportunity in the next inning when Jared Herzog smacked a double into right center field scoring Alex Perez and Joseph Stagowski. Rockford still trailed but had new life, down 9-3.
- Alvernia quickly took over in the next half inning. Loading the bases once again, the Wolves hit a triple to left center, scoring all three runners on base, and taking a large 12-3 lead.
- Alvernia scored an additional two runners to finish the top half of the sixth, well in the lead 14-3.
- The Regents never came close the rest of the game, the Wolves poured on three more runs before the final out, taking the victory over Rockford 17-5.
