ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Keuka College Baseball team defeated the University of Rochester for the first time in program history, topping the Yellowjackets 9-6 in a non-conference game in Rochester on Wednesday night.
Patrick Altpeter led Keuka College (4-9, 0-3 Empire 8) with three hits, including a double, and scored a pair of runs.
Derek Novicki and
Evan Cuba each had a pair of hits and drove in a pair of runs in the win.
Keuka College 9 at University of Rochester 6
The Wolves jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead on the Yellowjackets as Keuka worked five walks and got a pair of hits in the top of the first inning. The first three batters walked for the Green and Gold.
Derek Novicki singled to right to plate a pair. After another walk, Even Cuba singled to right as well to make it 3-0. The Wolves added a bases-loaded walk and an RBI groundout to lead 5-0.
Rochester would push a run across in the third and go on to plate one run an inning for the next six innings.
The Wolves never surrendered the lead, however. Keuka College again took advantage of a pair of walks to start the sixth inning. Altpeter then loaded the bases with a bunt single for the Wolves. One run came home on a sacrifice fly by
Evan Cuba.
Mike Dutch then brought a pair home as he doubled down the left field line.
Keuka College added a run in the ninth as
Zach Elinich laid down a squeeze bunt for the Wolves and beat it out to make it 9-6.
Rochester led off the bottom of the ninth with a single, but he was quickly erased as
Alex Evans fielded a ground ball, stepped on second, and threw to first for the double play. Another groundball to Evans ended the game as the Wolves secured the 9-6 victory.
KC Notes:
- Wednesday was the first time the Wolves and Yellowjackets had met in 11 years. With their win, Keuka College is now 1-11 all-time against the University of Rochester
- Every member of the starting lineup for Keuka College reached base safely on Wednesday, with eight of the nine starters recording a hit
- The three hits were a season-high for Altpeter
- Nate Hill added a double for the Green and Gold
- Lucas Gilbert got the start on the mound for the Wolves. He pitched into the third inning with three strikeouts to get the win
- Liam Eshelman pitched the seventh without allowing a hit, striking out a pair of batters
- Brandon Wilson pitched the final two innings for the Wolves to earn his first career save
Up Next for Keuka College: The Wolves will now prepare for their next Empire 8 series. Keuka College will face St. John Fisher this weekend. Due to forecasted weather, the series has been moved to St. John Fisher with a doubleheader scheduled for Sunday and a single game on Monday.