By: Kyle Tausk

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Fireworks kicked off a Memorial Day Opening Day celebration in Rockford on Monday, but it was small ball that led the way to victory for the Rivets.

 

The Rockford Rivets started their 2025 season with a narrow 2-1 victory over the Traverse City Pit Spitters thanks to a late safety squeeze that plated the game-winning run in what had been an evenly matched pitcher’s duel between both teams. Rockford and Traverse City combined for just seven hits in a low-scoring battle that was largely controlled by both pitching staffs.

 

For the Rivets, ace Chandler Alderman was dominant across his six innings of work, surrendering just one run on two hits and striking out eight Pit Spitter hitters. The left-hander showcased why first year Rivets manager Chase Brewster considers him one of the better pitching prospects in the country.

 

“Alderman is a kid that just toys with hitters,” Brewster said. “Alderman gave us a chance to win, and I think that’s all you can ask for from people is to give us a chance to win.” 

 

In his relief, the Rockford bullpen combined for three shutout innings, beginning with Luke Guest who soon turned it over to the eventual winning pitcher Reese Tarini. Wes Johnston shut the door in the ninth for the save, striking out the side to strand the potential game-tying run on first.

 

It was a quiet opening night for the Rivet offense, but familiar face and team captain Tommy Townsend got the Rivets on the board for the first time in 2025 early when he ripped a first inning RBI double to right field. The Pit Spitters soon evened things up in the second with an infield hit, bringing the score to a 1-1 tie that would hold for the next seven frames.

 

In total, the Rivets left 11 on base, but some late game small ball proved to be the difference as a safety squeeze by catcher AJ Malzone plated the game-winning run for Rockford in the bottom of the eighth. 

 

“I thought we squared some balls up early that we didn’t have much to show for,” Brewster said. “We’re obviously big and strong, but nobody cares if you hit a home run or if you get a safety squeeze, we just needed runs and we knew our bullpen would be one of our strengths.”

 

In all, pitching and defense won the night in Rockford as a summer filled with excitement and high expectations began in the win column. After getting the first one under their belt, vibes are sky high in the Rivets’ clubhouse entering the 2025 campaign.

 

“This team has a lot of talent and there’s a lot of guys that are really cool that we can gel with,” Peak Sports Club Player of the Game AJ Malzone said. “I think we’re going to come along and we’re going to be a great team this summer.”                          

 

The Rivets and Pit Spitters will be back in action at Rivets Stadium on Tuesday at 11:05 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets for the 2025 season at www.rockfordrivets.com.

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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. Now in its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history 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, 360 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, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network.  Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. 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.