RCTC Battles Riverland in Competitive Four‑Game Series
The Rochester Community and Technical College baseball team wrapped up a demanding four‑game series with Riverland Community College over April 25–26 in a matchup that featured strong pitching, timely offense, and momentum swings on both sides. The teams split the opening doubleheader on Friday before Riverland edged out RCTC in two tightly contested games in Rochester on Saturday.
Game 1 – April 25: Riverland 7, RCTC 0
The series opened with Riverland capitalizing on defensive miscues and timely hitting in a 7–0 shutout. RCTC collected nine hits but struggled to convert opportunities, leaving runners on base and being unable to deliver the key hit. Grayson DeClue and Conner Cullen each recorded multi‑hit performances, while Chase Horstman worked five innings on the mound. Riverland broke the game open in the second inning, taking advantage of unearned runs before adding insurance in the fifth and sixth. Riley Jax went the distance for Riverland, limiting RCTC to zero runs despite steady contact.
Game 2 – April 25: RCTC 11, Riverland 2
RCTC responded emphatically in the nightcap, putting together its most complete performance of the series. The Yellowjackets erupted for five runs in the first inning, setting the tone early and never looking back. Connor Mathison led the offensive charge with three RBIs, while Bo Boettcher added a three‑RBI triple and Dylan Balazovic chipped in two driven in.
On the mound, Aaron Terpstra delivered a standout performance, going all seven innings while striking out 10 and allowing just four hits. RCTC added six more runs in the sixth inning to pull away, taking advantage of Riverland errors and aggressive baserunning. The commanding win showcased RCTC's depth and ability to bounce back quickly within a series.
Game 3 – April 26: Riverland 7, RCTC 1
Riverland regained momentum in Saturday's opener behind strong pitching and a balanced offensive attack. After scoring in the first inning, Riverland gradually extended its lead, highlighted by a four‑run sixth that put the game out of reach. Carson Gehrke played a pivotal role, driving in four runs, while Dave Gonzaga added two more RBIs.
Khalil Fernandez was sharp on the mound for Riverland, allowing just one run over seven innings and limiting RCTC to six hits. RCTC starter Aiden Yochim kept the game close early, striking out six over 5.1 innings, but Riverland's timely hitting proved to be the difference. RCTC's lone run came in the seventh on a single by Gussie Maynard.
Game 4 – April 26: Riverland 4, RCTC 3
The finale was the most tightly contested game of the series, with both teams battling until the final inning. Riverland struck first in the fourth, then added three runs in the fifth to grab a 4–0 lead. RCTC answered, cutting the deficit to two in the bottom of the fifth on a two‑RBI single by Aiden Yochim.
After a scoreless sixth, RCTC mounted one last push in the seventh, scoring on an error to bring the tying run into scoring position. However, Riverland closed the door to secure the one‑run win. Peyton Ransom earned the victory on the mound, while Bo Boettcher and Uriah Johnson combined to keep RCTC within striking distance throughout.
Series Takeaways
Across four games, the series highlighted the fine margins that often decide conference matchups. RCTC showed it could compete offensively and on the mound, particularly in its dominant Game 2 win. RCTC will conclude it's regular season with a four-game series against Western Tech. Hosting two games on Friday before taking to the road for the final pair on Saturday. The Region tournament begins the following week at St. Cloud.
