BROCKPORT, NY – The University of Rochester scored runs in four straight innings, from the second through fifth, leading the Yellowjackets to a 7-3 victory over host SUNY Brockport on Tuesday afternoon at the Clark Whited Complex.
The win moves UR's record to over .500 in 2024, sitting at 13-12 overall. Brockport falls to 15-10 with the loss.
After going down in order in the top of the first, Rochester struck for the games opening run in the second. Leadoff hitter Alexander Gonzalo drew a walk. After two outs, Luke Gregory laced a run-scoring double to left, putting the Yellowjackets up 1-0.
A single from Sammy Besztery followed, putting runners at the corners, but Brockport starter Tyler Pohlman got a ground out to escape the jam.
In the second, a leadoff walk put the tying run on base for the Golden Eagles, but on the next batter, Rochester quickly turned one of four double plays on the day to erase the runner.
UR added to its lead in the third when Gonzalo provided another two-out hit, singling to left to score Josh Leadem.
Another UR double play ended the third inning with Brockport at the plate against Rochester starter Matt Casiero.
Rochester increased its lead again in the fourth inning. Quincy Jaksch led off with a single. Gregory bunted Jaksch to second and he eventually came around to score on a Golden Eagle error.
Brockport battled back to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth after three straight one out singles loaded the bases. A hit batter broke the shutout and Matt Mayer provided a two-run single to tie the game.
Fortunately for Casiero, Alan Michael LeFrois hit into the third double play in a row to end the inning and keep the game knotted at 3-3.
The Yellowjackets answered right back with a big inning in the fifth to complete the scoring for the game.
Jackson Reed led off with a double and Leadem was hit by a pitch. Alec Ellison walked to load the bases before Gonzalo picked up his second RBI of the game with a walk.
After a pitching change, Dylan Stezzi also walked to bring in a run before Jaksch lifted a sacrifice fly to left for a three-run lead. The four-run frame finished up with Gonzalo scampering home on a wild pitch.
Rochester turned to the bullpen with Sammy Rosenfield taking over on the mound in the fifth. After a strikeout, two walks put a pair of runners on base, but Rosenfield escaped, getting back-to-back flyouts to end the inning.
Rosenfield kept the Golden Eagles at bay until the ninth when Leadem took over on the mound, moving in from his right field position. The senior right hander promptly sat down Brockport 1-2-3 in the ninth, closing out the victory for the Yellowjackets.
Both Casiero and Rosenfield tossed four innings for UR. Casiero was charged with five hits allowed and three runs. He walked two and struck out one. Rosenfield, meanwhile, allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out five.
At the plate both Reed and Gregory finished with two hits. Gonzalo was 1-for-3 with 2 runs, 2 walks and 2 RBI, while Leadem also scored twice, despite not recording a hit.
Rochester is back in action on Friday afternoon with a big Liberty League matchup against Ithaca with first pitch at 4 pm. That series continues on Saturday at UR with a doubleheader starting at 2:30 pm.