Runkel’s Late Home Run Lifts Rochester Past Sacred Heart-Griffin, 3-2

In a tightly contested pitchers’ duel, the Rochester Varsity Rockets came through in the clutch, edging Sacred Heart-Griffin 3-2 on Wednesday thanks to a late-game home run from Ajay Runkel.

With the game tied at two heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, Runkel delivered the moment. The Rockets’ pitcher helped his own cause by launching a solo home run to right field, breaking the tie and giving Rochester a 3-2 lead they would not surrender.

The game featured strong performances on the mound from both teams. Rochester’s pitching staff combined for five strikeouts, while Sacred Heart-Griffin’s pitchers were dominant at times, racking up 14 strikeouts and keeping the Rockets’ offense under pressure throughout the game.

Rochester got off to a quick start in the bottom of the first inning. Reece Gade steals home on a wild pitch, and Frank Stefano III followed with a double to center field that drove in another, giving the Rockets an early 2-0 advantage.

Sacred Heart-Griffin responded in the top of the second inning when Butler connected on a solo home run to left field, cutting the deficit in half. They continued to apply pressure in the third inning, where Butler came through again with an RBI single down the right field line to tie the game at 2-2.

From that point on, both teams settled into a defensive battle, with pitchers and fielders stepping up to limit scoring opportunities. Rochester’s defense was particularly sharp, turning three double plays that proved crucial in stopping Sacred Heart-Griffin rallies.

Runkel earned the win with a complete-game effort on the mound. He allowed eight hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out five and walking just one. His ability to stay composed and deliver in key moments, both as a pitcher and hitter, was instrumental in the Rockets’ victory.

Sacred Heart-Griffin’s Pennel turned in a strong performance despite taking the loss. The starter pitched five and one-third innings, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out an impressive 12 batters and walking two.

At the plate, Runkel and Stefano III led Rochester with two hits apiece, and each drove in a run. For Sacred Heart-Griffin, Butler was the standout performer, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and accounting for both of his team’s runs.

In a game defined by timely hitting and strong pitching, Rochester’s ability to capitalize on a late opportunity proved to be the difference.

The Rockets will look to build on the win as they return home Monday to face Normal University in their next matchup.