VERONA, Wis. - The Rockford University baseball team dropped a road NACC doubleheader 2-1 and 8-1 at Edgwood College on Saturday afternoon. Rockford struggled to find any offensive production in either game. The Regents scored a total of just two runs and had no extra base hits for the entire day. Conversely, the RU pitching staff did an excellent job for the overwhelming majority of the afternoon. Game one starter
Adrian Rapier went the distance and allowed just two runs. The Rockford University bullpen, led by
Aaron Monti, combined to throw six innings without allowing an earned run in game two.
Game 1
- Rockford University pitcher Adrian Rapier was outstanding on the mound for the third straight start. Rapier retired the first nine batters he faced and shutout the Eagles through five innings.
- However, the Eagles were able to able to string together a hit, two walks and a hit batsman to plate the first run of the day and take a 1-0 lead heading into the seventh.
- Following a scoreless seventh, Rockford had a pair of runners aboard for the first time since the third inning. Jake Bilotta singled and Zach Fabis drew a walk to put runners on first and second with no one out. Unfortunately, the Eagles were able to induce a popup to end the threat.
- Edgewood then added what proved to be a crucial insurance run in the bottom half of the inning. The Eagles had a pair of hits, including an RBI single, to extend their lead to 2-0 going into the ninth.
- Enrique Melendez Jr. and Bryce Stanton began the frame with a single and a hit batsman to put runners on first and second with no one out.
- After a sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk loaded the bases, Austin Massat drove in Rockford's first run of the day on an RBI grounder to second.
- Unfortunately, the Eagles were able to retire the next batter to end the game and secure a 2-1 victory.
Game 2
- The Eagles began game two with a three-run first inning. Edgewood loaded the bases on a pair of hit batsmen and an infield single. They would later score on an RBI walk and a two-run single to grab a quick 3-0 lead after one inning of play.
- Rockford really struggled to get anything going offensively over the first six innings. The Regents had just one hit and were held scoreless as they entered the seventh still trailing.
- Fortunately, RU reliever Aaron Monti did an outstanding job holding the Eagle offense at bay. Monti did not allow a run and surrendered just three hits to keep it a three-run game heading into the top of the seventh.
- The Regents were finally able to breakthrough and plate a single run in the seventh. Joseph Stagowski and Zach Fabis led off the inning with back-to-back singles to put runners on the corners with no one out. Rockford would then score a run on a passed ball to make it a 3-1 game. Unfortunately, Eagle pitcher Drew Lenz did his best Harry Houdini impression and escaped without allowing another run.
- Rockford again had a pair of runners on in the eighth following singles by Ryan Stary and Jake Bilotta. However, once again the Eagles were able to wiggle out of the jam and keep the Regents off the scoreboard in the eighth.
- Edgewood basically ended any hopes of a Rockford comeback by tacking on five unearned runs in the bottom half of the inning.
- Rockford then went down in order in the ninth and fell by a final score of 8-1.
Game 1
- Adrian Rapier tossed Rockford's first complete game of the season. Rapier fired all 8 innings, scattering 6 hits and allowing just 2 runs, while striking out 4 batters.
- Nate Burdin went 2-for-3.
- Jake Bilotta finished 2-for-5 with a stolen base.
Game 2
- Aaron Monti pitched five strong innings in relief. Monti did not allow a run and only surrendered 3 hits, while striking out 3 batters.
- Joseph Stagowski went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored.
- Blaise Mace was 1-for-2 with a walk.
