The UR YellowJackets defeated conference rivals Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in all three games played on March 26 and 27, capping the weekend with an impressive 14–13 victory in extra innings.
Rochester opened the series strong on Saturday, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning and not letting the lead go, winning 8–3. In the second game of the day’s double-header, Rochester overcame a slow hitting day in the ninth inning to claim a close 5–4 win.
Played in Troy, NY, the series was marked by cold and windy conditions. As expected, pitching was particularly impacted by Sunday’s weather, allowing seven runs in the bottom of the third. UR rallied with a five-run fifth inning, and managed to tie the game at 13 in the top of the ninth. After two scoreless innings, a home run by graduate student Matt Cappelletti sealed the game and the series sweep for the YellowJackets.
Senior shortstop Joseph Rende led the team with seven RBIs, while Cappelletti finished the series going 3–12 at the plate with three RBIs and a home run. Junior outfielder Aaron Whitley also had a standout weekend, going 5–13 with four stolen bases.
Rochester had eight errors to RPI’s three throughout the series, proving to be an inflection point for the team on Sunday. The team moves to 13–4 on the season and 3–0 in conference play, taking ownership of first place in the D3 Liberty League standings.
The YellowJackets will look to continue their momentum against Vassar College (6–9) in another three game series on April 2 and 3, played at Towers Field.
