Rochester bounced back in a big way on Friday, getting back in the win column after a Thursday loss with a 10-0 six-inning victory over University Prep.
“We needed to be the hunter,” Rochester coach Brad Quarnstrom said. “Yesterday, we were the hunted. I feel like we set the tone early and then sustained it … We responded exactly how we hoped. I’m extremely proud of the guys. I thought it was a great team win, and I loved everything about our energy and enthusiasm today.”
Offensively, the Warriors were dialed in from the first at-bat of the game. They scored twice in both the first and second, three times in the fourth, and twice in the fifth before R Culp was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the sixth for the run-rule walk-off.
Owen Driver led the charge offensively, collecting three hits in three at-bats while driving in two runs and scoring another two. He also reached base a fourth time via a walk.
“Owen had a great day at the plate,” Quarnstrom said. “For a freshman in the leadoff spot, he’s been doing a phenomenal job.”
Driver also made an excellent play in the field, battling the sun to catch a line drive before firing to first to double off the runner.
Ethan Rodriguez and Tyler Huston also collected three hits apiece, and D Akin added two. Rodriguez, Huston, Culp, and Easton Singleton each drove in a run.
“We had some great at bats up and down the lineup,” Quarnstrom said. “Good team at-bats. We weren't trying to do too much. We would need the ball through the four-hole, and that’s what we did.”
Singleton also had an outstanding day on the bump, throwing six one-hit innings while walking two and striking out seven. Thanks to some defensive plays behind him, he ended up facing just one over the minimum.
“He threw phenomenal,” Quarnstrom said.
Rochester (8-2, 7-0 1A Evergreen) will return to league play on Monday, when it hosts Elma in a league doubleheader.
