RCTC Jackets vs. St. Louis CC — Series Recap (3 Games)

The Rochester Community & Technical College baseball team opened its road series at St. Louis Community College facing a talented Archers squad that capitalized on big innings, power hitting, and strong pitching. Despite several bright spots offensively throughout the weekend, the Jackets ultimately dropped all three games, falling to 0–3 on the season.

Game 1: StLCC 13, RCTC 3

In the series opener, St. Louis struck quickly with a two‑run homer from Nicholas Bonczkowski in the first inning. RCTC showed life in the middle frames thanks to strong Conner Cullen, who scored in both the third and fifth innings, and an RBI triple from Matt Dollaghan in the sixth.

However, the Archers' offense proved overwhelming. After building a narrow 3–2 lead through four innings, St. Louis exploded for four runs in the fifth and six more in the sixth. Big days from Bryce Haines (three RBI), McKinley Floyd (three RBI), and Bonczkowski (three RBI) powered the attack.

RCTC mustered four hits—two from Connor Mathison—but four defensive errors and 13 allowed runs doomed the opener.

Game 2: StLCC 11, RCTC 0 (5 Innings)

The second game was controlled by St. Louis pitcher William Merrikin, who threw a complete‑game one‑hitter with eight strikeouts. The Jacket offense never found footing, with their lone hit coming off the bat of Gussie Maynard.

Meanwhile, the Archers were efficient and opportunistic. After a quiet first two innings, St. Louis posted three runs in the third, highlighted by a two‑run single from Floyd. The fifth inning sealed the game as the Archers tallied eight runs—combining timely hitting, multiple RCTC defensive miscues, and a grand slam from Jack Burle.

Errors once again hampered the Jackets, contributing to several unearned runs. Despite solid early work from starter Aaron Terpstra, the big inning proved too much to overcome.

Game 3: StLCC 9, RCTC 8

In the most competitive game of the weekend, RCTC's offense came alive. The Jackets scored in each of the first six innings, highlighted by a two‑run double from Mathison, home runs from Aiden Yochim and Gussie Maynard, and aggressive baserunning that produced five stolen bases.

RCTC led 8–6 entering the final frame after Yochim's two‑run blast in the sixth, but St. Louis mounted a dramatic seventh‑inning comeback. RBI singles from Lane Elder and Bryce Haines tied the game, and a bases‑loaded walk to McKinley Floyd pushed across the winning run.

Despite the loss, the Jackets produced eight hits, displayed improved plate discipline with seven walks, and showed meaningful offensive progress. Yochim and Mathison starred, combining for 5 RBI's.

The Jackets showed flashes of offensive potential—especially in Game 3—but were ultimately undone by defensive errors and big innings from the St. Louis lineup. Across the series, RCTC allowed 33 runs (only 20 earned) while committing nine errors.

Still, the weekend closed with clear signs of improvement. If the Jackets continue to build on their Game 3 competitiveness, convert scoring chances, and tighten defensive play, they'll be positioned to turn the corner as the season progresses.

The Jackets will next be in action on March 7th as they begin their Spring Break trip at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, SC vs Ocean City College.