ROCKFORD, IL – In a wild and unpredictable game marked by a barrage of home runs and offensive fireworks, the Beloit College Buccaneers (10-5, 0-0 MWC) fell to the Rockford University Regents (10-4, 0-0 NACC) by a score of 20-16 on March 25th at RU Campus Field.
The game was a seesaw battle from the opening inning, with Rockford jumping out to an early lead courtesy of a lead off homer by Jacob Stagowski. Beloit responded with a run of their own, but the Regents continued to pile on runs, punctuated by a three-homer, seven-RBI performance from Kadin Bergstrom.
Despite being down by a significant margin, the Buccaneers refused to surrender. Led by impressive performances from players like Jack Alport (Arlington Heights, Ill.), who reached base multiple times, and Connor Vogel (Palmdale, Calif.), who delivered clutch RBIs, Beloit chipped away at Rockford's lead throughout the middle innings. Key hits from Aiden Wood (Chandler, Ariz.), Miles Souza (Carpinteria, Calif.), and Kaden Gustafson (Ross, Calif.) kept the pressure on the Regents' pitching staff. Nolan Tomsyck (Muskego, Wis), was able to contribute two doubles and an RBI.
In the top of the 8th, Beloit mounted a late rally, scoring two runs to close the gap. However, Rockford's offense proved too potent, as they held on to secure the victory.
The Buccaneers head to Mount Vernon, Iowa this weekend to kick off Midwest Conference play against the Rams of Cornell College. Saturday's doubleheader will be a tough match up, with the Rams having been picked to finish at the top of the MWC this season.
First pitch from Ash Park Field is set for 12 pm on Saturday. Game two will be played following game one. The third and final game of the series will be played at The Ballpark at Strong Stadium on Sunday, March 30th at 12 pm.
