After being notched up at 4-4, Rochester exploded for eight runs in the top of the fifth inning en route to a 16-4 road victory over River Ridge in six innings on Thursday.
“We started out slow the first four innings,” Rochester coach Brad Quarnstrom said. “Sluggish start until (River Ridge’s) pitching change in the fourth.”
Once Hawks’ starter Tyler Chisa exited, the Warriors went to work, hammering out eight runs to take the lead for good and adding four more in the top of the sixth to seal the win.
“We did have some better, quality at-bats,” Quarnstrom said.
The Warriors’ offense was led by Johnny Childers, who smashed a three-run homer over the left field wall. Braden Hartley was 2 for 3 with three runs and Tate Quarnstrom was 3 for 5 with a run and an RBI.
Quarnstrom went three innings on the mound, striking out three and allowing two earned runs on four hits. Tony Groninger earned the win, tossing three innings, striking out two and allowing zero earned runs with two hits and a walk.
“Tony looked the best he’s looked all year,” Quarnstrom said. “It was the hardest he’s thrown all year. Tate was OK. Not his best outing but he was able to work out of a couple jams. He battled and competed.”
During the JV game, Rochester's Ben Johnson tossed a complete-game, no-hitter to help the Warriors to victory.
Rochester (4-4) next hosts Shelton on April 7.
