The Rochester men's baseball team had plenty of bright moments during their season opener on Saturday against Pomona-Pitzer. The two sides underwent a double-header, as Rochester lost the first game 7-9, but came back and won the second game in 4-0 fashion.
In the first game, the starting nod went to Garrett Renslow for Rochester (1-1). The senior did not allow a hit through the first four innings to Pomona-Pitzer (7-5), as he only surrendered three runs on four hits. His aggressiveness on the mound resulted in six strikeouts.
In the second inning, the Yellowjackets were able to put together five runs across seven hits. A double from Harper Sy allowed for Joseph Rende and John Moses to score. Moments later, Sy scored due to an RBI single from Kyle Trombley. David Rieth was able to contribute early on, knocking in Trombley on an RBI double. An RBI double from Steve Pickering allowed Rochester to take a commanding 5-0 lead.
The following inning, Rende hit his first collegiate home run en route to a 6-0 advantage for Rochester.
In the fifth, Pomona-Pitzer managed to load up the bases with no outs. Renslow managed to minimize the damage, taking a 6-1 lead entering the fifth inning.
The Hens continued to string together an offensive effort, forcing Rochester to call upon Dan Agate in relief. Through five innings of play, the Yellowjackets were grasping at a 7-4 lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, Pomona-Pitzer relied on a three-run home run to even the game 7-7 apiece.
Pomona Pitzer managed to hit a walk-off home run in the seventh inning in order to win the first game.
In the second game, the Yellowjackets put Jon Turk on the mound as the starter. He put in a terrific effort, not allowing a run across 6.1 innings pitched.
Rochester didn't wait long to strike first, as Aaron Craig secured an RBI single in the second inning to give Rochester an early 1-0 lead.
The fifth inning allowed the Yellowjackets to provide run support, as Trombley knocked in Craig. Just moments later, Rieth continued his impressive start to the season with an RBI single to advance Rochester's lead to 3-0.
The seventh inning allowed for Rochester to put Nathan Slenska on the mound in relief of Turk.
In the top of the eighth, Moses slammed a home run out to center field to extend Rochester's lead to 4-0.
The two sides will close their four-game series during another double-header on Sunday. The first pitch will take place at 11am (PT).
