Klann responded after conceding the run by striking out two batters in the top of the 2nd inning. Landon Southern (Anderson University) struggled as well in 3 innings pitched. Alex Fernandes (University of Memphis) capitalized on an overthrow by the Rockford defense, advancing from first to third base and putting himself in scoring position. Cayden Wotipka (Lower Columbia College) knotted it up before a sacrifice flyout by Jacob Brown (College of Charleston), Xavier Ulrich with a single to left field, and Garrett Smith (Montana State Billings) with a 2 RBI double to make it 5-1 Battle Jacks.

Camdyn Martindale (Saint Peter’s University) came in for Battle Creek in the bottom of the 4th inning. Martindale responded to giving up a sacrifice flyout from Mihalakis with a pickoff at first base that helped him get out of a jam.

In the top of the 6th, the Battle Jacks loaded the bases with Wotipka at the plate, but a 4-6-3 double play ended their scoring opportunity.

Wotipka responded on defense with an impressive catch for the second out, even as he collided with the outfield wall.

Jack Zebig (Maryville University) brought the Rivets back into the game with an RBI single, the runs kept pouring on with miscues from the Battle Creek defense to give Rockford 5 runs and a 9-5 lead in the bottom of the 6th inning.

The Rivets were not done yet as they also scored two more runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to make it 11-5.

Nick Demarco (Notre Dame) joined the party for Rockford with the RBI double.

While Battle Creek had a late surge with a home run from Smith, Cameron Nohos (University of Illinois-Chicago) got the save to put the Rivets in first place in the Great Lakes East Division.

Mihalakis had himself a night with a 5 RBI total making him the player of the game.

The Battle Jacks will look to bounce back in game two at Rivets Stadium and even the series.