Yellowjackets Sweep Ridgewater Behind Pitching Depth, Timely Offense
Rochester Community and Technical College completed a Minnesota Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) Southern Division doubleheader sweep of Ridgewater College on April 3, grinding out a 2–1 win in the opener before pulling away for a 10–2 victory in Game Two.
The day showcased RCTC's ability to win in contrasting styles—first behind dominant pitching and defense, then with explosive offense and disciplined plate appearances.
Game One: RCTC 2, Ridgewater 1 (8 innings)
The opener unfolded as a classic pitchers' duel, with both teams struggling to string together offense through seven tightly contested innings. Ridgewater managed just one hit until extra innings, while RCTC produced five hits—but none larger than the decisive swing in the eighth.
Ridgewater struck first in the top of the fourth, scoring the game's first run. From there, RCTC starter Zoey Clark settled in and controlled the contest, scattering six hits across eight innings while striking out nine and issuing no walks. Clark consistently worked ahead in counts and kept Ridgewater from capitalizing once runners reached base.
RCTC answered in the bottom of the third when Gigi Lundi delivered a clutch RBI single, plating Ella Bergan to tie the game at 1–1. The score remained unchanged through seven, as Ridgewater pitcher Nevaeh Rahm matched Clark pitch for pitch. Rahm struck out 13 batters in 7 2/3 innings, allowing just four hits while keeping RCTC off balance with a sharp rise ball.
The breakthrough came in the bottom of the eighth. Keiara Daniel doubled to put the winning run in scoring position, and RCTC capitalized on pressure and execution to push across the walk-off run and secure the 2–1 victory.
Game Two: RCTC 10, Ridgewater 2
The nightcap had a very different feel from the start, as RCTC's offense erupted early and never looked back. The Yellowjackets jumped out to a 4–0 lead in the first inning, immediately putting Ridgewater on the defensive.
Cason Forbrook keyed the offense with extra-base power, while KK Hemming drove in two runs to set the tone. RCTC added runs in every inning but one, showing patience at the plate and forcing Ridgewater pitchers into extended innings.
Ridgewater scratched across runs in the second and third innings, but RCTC answered each time. Zoey Clark scored twice for the Jackets, while Ella Bergan had a standout game, scoring three times, driving in a run, and stealing two bases.
Forbrook finished with two RBIs and a triple, and Ivette Mendoza added an RBI double as part of RCTC's eight-hit performance. The Yellowjackets also drew seven walks, consistently creating scoring opportunities.
In the circle, Alyssa Knudson went the distance for RCTC, allowing five hits and two runs over five innings. Knudson worked efficiently and relied on her defense to close out the sweep.
RCTC will hit the road for a critical series against St. Cloud Tech on Tuesday, before retunring home for a nother double-header against the Cyclones.
