Rockford, IL – June 7, 2024 – In an electrifying matchup at Rivets Stadium, the Rockford Rivets triumphed over the Royal Oak Leprechauns with a close score of 7-6. Under sunny skies and a pleasant temperature of 75°F, 886 enthusiastic fans witnessed an exhilarating game filled with remarkable performances from both teams.
The Rivets took an early lead in the first inning, scoring four runs. Jack Zebig and Brayden Bakes set the stage with Zebig’s single to the left fielder and Bakes advancing on a fielder’s choice. The momentum continued as Kyle Schupmann hit a crucial triple, driving in Bakes. Tommy Townsend followed up with a double, bringing Schupmann home. The Leprechauns fought back, scoring a run in the second and third innings, but the Rivets maintained their lead with a two-run surge in the bottom of the third.
Royal Oak managed to close the gap with consistent scoring, adding runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings. Despite their efforts, Rockford’s defense held firm. In the bottom of the eighth, a key double by Townsend and a sacrifice fly by Nick Barone secured two more runs, solidifying the Rivets’ lead.
Rockford’s pitcher, Jack Potteiger, earned the win, improving his record to 2-1, while David Lally of the Leprechauns took the loss, falling to 0-1. The Rivets demonstrated strong teamwork and resilience, thrilling the home crowd and showcasing their potential for the rest of the season.
Final Score: Rockford Rivets 7, Royal Oak Leprechauns 6
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The Rockford Rivets are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans in a friendly ballpark experience than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 350 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner, and two-time All-MLB first-team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.rockfordrivets.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Rivets as your favorite team.
